A tragic incident recently unfolded in Texas where a pregnant high school teacher lost her life in a fatal shooting during an alleged home invasion.
The police investigation revealed that the supposed burglary leading to Belinda Lucas’ death was orchestrated by her own husband, David Temple.
A Look Into Belinda Lucas Temple’s Life
Born on December 30, 1968, Belinda Lucas hailed from Martins Ferry, Ohio, where she worked as a dedicated high school teacher specializing in special education.
She was a loving mother to her son Evan and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second child, a daughter, with her husband David Temple.
Belinda and David’s bond began during their university years at Stephen F. Austin University.
Kathryn Casey depicted the life and tragic demise of Belinda in her 2010 book, Shattered.
Remembering Belinda, Casey shared, “People adored her for her energy and charisma in the classroom.
“She had a special way of connecting with everyone she met, be it her students or colleagues.”
“As I reflect on Belinda’s last moments, I can’t help but imagine the horror she must have felt walking into her home, with her young son likely asleep upstairs, only to be greeted by her husband armed with a shotgun,” Casey added.
Belinda is survived by her son Evan and her four siblings: Brenda, Barry, Brian, and Brent.
The Tragic Events Surrounding Belinda’s Murder
On the fateful day of January 11, 1999, 30-year-old Belinda was shot and killed at her residence in Katy, Texas, while she was eight months pregnant with her second child.
Initially, the authorities suspected a burglary gone wrong as the cause of Belinda’s death.
However, further investigation revealed that the home invasion was a staged scenario by David Temple himself.
Evidence pointing to David’s guilt included matching gun residue found on both the victim’s and the perpetrator’s clothing on the night of the murder.
David was arrested on November 30, 2004, in connection to Belinda’s homicide.
Following a guilty verdict on November 15, 2007, David Temple was sentenced to life in prison for murder.
However, on December 28, 2016, the initial conviction was overturned, leading to a retrial.
Justice Served for Belinda
After a second trial, on August 6, 2019, David Temple was once again found guilty of Belinda’s murder.
Subsequently, on April 21, 2023, he was handed a life sentence in prison.
During the emotional impact statements, Belinda’s siblings directed powerful words towards the man responsible for their sister’s untimely death.
Brian Lucas addressed David Temple, calling him “despicable” and “a piece of trash,” urging him to ponder upon his actions for the rest of his life.
Brenda Lucas expressed the anguish she felt for the last 24 years and the void left by the absence of her beloved sister, Belinda.
ABC’s 20/20 will delve into Belinda’s story in an upcoming episode titled Bad Romance: Shattered Love on February 26, 2024.
Following its broadcast, the episode will be available for streaming on Hulu.
