Podcast Episode Summary: 20/20 – “Bad Romance: Shattered Love (Revisited)”
Original Air Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Debra Roberts, ABC News
Episode Overview
This episode of the 20/20 “Bad Romance” series revisits the notorious Texas murder case of Belinda Temple, a pregnant schoolteacher found shot “execution style” in 1999. The deeply reported story traces her life with her husband David Temple—a high school football coach—and their seemingly idyllic marriage that secretly harbored infidelity, growing distance, and escalating tensions. The episode unpacks the twists and turns of a decades-long investigation, two murder trials, claims of a wrongful conviction, and the continued fight for justice, all while exploring the devastating personal cost to the families involved.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Crime and Initial Shock
- Setting: Katy, Texas—an “all-American town” with close-knit community and football culture.
- Victims: Belinda Temple (eight months pregnant) and her unborn daughter, Erin.
- Discovery: David Temple calls 911 to report finding his wife dead in their closet after apparent forced entry.
- “My wife has been shot. Oh my God, it’s got blood everywhere.” —David Temple on 911 (03:00)
2. The Temples’ Backstory
- David: High school football star, later coach, known as “The Temple of Doom.”
- Belinda: Beloved special ed teacher, described as “our Sunshine Lady” (07:20).
- The couple painted a picture-perfect image—two teachers, a son, another child on the way—but “she just didn’t know how vulnerable” she really was. (13:30)
3. Crime Scene Suspicion
- Initial theory: A burglary gone wrong.
- Investigators quickly become suspicious—details don’t add up:
- Glass on the inside but not on the couch where expected (21:35).
- Disarray staged: “Several drawers were open, but the contents weren’t disturbed.” (22:20)
- No murder weapon found; two rifles but no shotgun located.
- Investigators start to look at David, the husband, focusing on his behavior and lack of physical evidence tying him to the scene.
4. David’s Alibi and the Affair
- Surveillance tapes:
- David is seen out running errands at times his wife was likely killed (Home Depot video at 5:14 p.m.) (30:01).
- However, his relationship with fellow teacher Heather Scott is uncovered:
- Started an affair, culminating in “a nice romantic liaison weekend” while Belinda was days from giving birth. (37:20)
- After the murder, David “was actually talking about Heather a lot… now keep in mind, your wife was murdered…” (39:15)
- Investigators’ theory: David wanted to be with Heather and eliminate his marriage.
5. Break in the Case & Trial #1
- Years later, FBI crime lab detects gunshot residue on David’s clothing—cast into doubt due to contaminated lab conditions.
- 2007: David is charged six years after the murder; defense challenges evidence validity.
- “The lab for the FBI shared a ventilation system with the shooting range, which means that all this gunshot residue… could be contaminated.” (48:25)
- David’s emotional testimony: “I loved my wife until the day she died.” (54:00)
- After eight hours of deliberation, David is convicted: “We, the jury, find the defendant, David Mark Temple, guilty of murder as charged.” (55:30)
6. New Suspect & Appeals
- Late night call from Daniel Glasscock claims neighbor Riley Jo Sanders III casually confessed to the murder years earlier.
- Riley, a 16-year-old neighbor with “a grudge against her,” becomes the defense’s new focal point. (59:00)
- Appeals focus on alleged withheld evidence and alternative suspects.
- David’s conviction is overturned due to prosecutor misconduct (failure to turn over evidence). He’s released on bond and a retrial is scheduled.
7. Retrial & Second Conviction
- 2019: Retrial begins. David’s son Evan, now an adult, stands by his father.
- “That was the saddest moment I've ever seen in a courtroom—seeing Evan and seeing members of Belinda’s family…” (01:08:40)
- Defense tries to pin the murder on Riley Jo Sanders, scrutinizing his potential access to the murder weapon.
- Riley’s denial: “Did you have anything to do with Mrs. Temple’s murder?” “No, I did not.” (01:13:30)
- Prosecution presses on timing gaps in David’s alibi: “That’s 36 minutes. Where was David the rest of the time?” (01:16:20)
- Prosecution demonstrates how the crime and staging could be accomplished in seconds (using props in court). (01:18:50)
- Jury again finds David Temple guilty (01:24:55).
8. Sentencing Phase & Emotional Fallout
- Evan Temple, Belinda’s and David’s son, testifies on behalf of his father:
- Evan: “Do you believe in your father?” “Yes, 100%.” (01:28:05)
- The jury deadlocks on sentencing, leading to a mistrial for the penalty phase.
- After more years and a third penalty-only trial (delayed by COVID), David is sentenced to life in prison (01:36:10).
- Belinda’s family, after 24 years: “There is no if, ands, or buts. David Temple is a cold blooded, diabolical murderer who deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison. His family can visit him. Belinda’s family has to visit her in a grave.” (01:38:20)
9. Aftermath and Continuing Impact
- David maintains his innocence and his defense continues to appeal.
- Evan grows up, goes to college, gets married—milestones Belinda misses.
- “He had a wonderful mom that loved him dearly. I hope he knows how much she did love him…” (01:39:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “There are certain calls you never forget. This is one of them.” —Paramedic on the scene (02:30)
- “It looks like a burglary, but as they start looking at it a lot more closely, things aren’t adding up for investigators…” (21:05)
- “There are lots and lots of people that have affairs that don’t kill their wives.” (41:30)
- “Temple constantly cried, especially when he testified about his wife, Belinda. ‘I loved my wife until the day she died.’” (54:00)
- “Do you believe in your father?” “Yes, 100%.” —Evan Temple testifying in support of David (01:28:05)
- “He had a wonderful mom that loved him dearly. I hope he knows how much she did love him.” (01:39:55)
- “His family can visit him. Belinda’s family has to visit her in a grave.” —Belinda’s family after sentencing (01:38:20)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:34 – Case Introduction and scene discovery
- 07:20 – Background on the Temple family
- 21:05 – Investigators begin doubting the burglary theory
- 30:01 – David’s alibi on surveillance video
- 37:20 – Revelation of David’s affair with Heather Scott
- 48:25 – FBI lab controversy and issues with gunshot residue
- 54:00 – David’s emotional testimony
- 55:30 – First conviction and family reactions
- 59:00 – New suspect: Riley Jo Sanders
- 01:08:40 – Evan Temple’s emotional courtroom appearance
- 01:13:30 – Riley Jo Sanders’ testimony
- 01:16:20 – Prosecution questions gaps in David’s alibi
- 01:18:50 – Prosecution’s real-time “scene staging” demonstration
- 01:24:55 – Second jury verdict: guilty
- 01:28:05 – Evan Temple’s sentencing phase testimony
- 01:38:20 – Final sentencing and family statements
- 01:39:55 – Legacy and reflection on Belinda and Evan’s lives
Tone & Final Thoughts
The storytelling is precise and suspenseful—true crime meets tragedy—with a strong focus on the emotional cost borne by both families and the perseverance of loved ones seeking justice. The reporting is neutral but empathetic, giving voice to both the victim’s and the accused’s supporters while letting the facts and court outcomes speak for themselves.
For those who haven’t heard the episode: This is a gripping, heartbreaking account of a long, winding search for the truth beneath a shattered love—complete with courtroom drama, forensic twists, and the haunting, lingering impact of unresolved loss.