In a chilling case of domestic violence, Trenton Frye, a 31-year-old man from North Carolina, was sentenced to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend, Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, 28. The crime, described by authorities as “cold-blooded and calculated,” occurred in October 2022 in Bedford County, Virginia.
The Murder of Katlyn Lyon Montgomery
On October 7, 2022, Montgomery was found unconscious in her home at the Jefferson Forest Manor Apartments in Forest, Virginia. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Investigators discovered key evidence, including phone charging cords wrapped in a blanket, which were consistent with the markings found on Montgomery’s neck, suggesting strangulation as the cause of death.
Trenton Frye’s Involvement and Lies
Frye was quickly identified as Montgomery’s ex-boyfriend, but he denied being in Virginia during the incident. However, authorities uncovered evidence contradicting his claim.
Phone tower data showed Frye’s phone had been in the Bedford County area on the night of Montgomery’s murder. Additionally, text messages between Frye and Montgomery revealed an argument over their breakup, providing further evidence linking him to the crime.
The Trial and Evidence of Stalking
Frye’s trial, which began on March 31, 2025, presented a disturbing picture of his obsession with Montgomery. Prosecutors revealed numerous text messages where Frye alternated between insults and pleas for sympathy, showcasing his escalating emotional instability.
Despite Frye’s defense claiming he was physically incapable of committing the crime, the prosecution highlighted evidence of stalking, including receipts and personal items recovered from Frye’s vehicle, which further tied him to Montgomery.
The Sentencing: A Cold-Blooded Crime
At the sentencing hearing, Judge James Updike Jr. expressed his disgust at the brutal nature of Montgomery’s murder, stating that it was as “cold-blooded and calculated” as anything he had ever seen.
While the typical sentencing for such a crime in Virginia would range from 22 to 38 years, Frye was sentenced to life in prison, far exceeding the state’s sentencing guidelines.
Bedford County Commonwealth Attorney Wes Nance attributed Frye’s conviction to a combination of his lies and digital evidence, which played a significant role in proving his guilt.
