Man accused of killing pregnant wife with kids home released on bond, Texas officials say
.png "Lee Gilley was arrested in connection to the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, in Harris County, Texas.")
A Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife was released from custody after posting a $1 million bond, according to court records.
Lee Gilley, 38, is charged with capital murder in connection to the death of his wife, 38-year-old Christa Gilley, according to a news release from the Houston Police Department.
On Oct. 7, Gilley called 911 and reported that he found his wife in bed not moving, McClatchy News previously reported. He then said his wife intentionally overdosed, according to a probable cause statement.
The man told authorities that the two had been arguing and his wife went to sleep, the court document said. He said he found her three hours later and began performing CPR.
Christa Gilley was 9 weeks pregnant and two children were also inside the house at the time, court records said.
Christa Gilley was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Hospital staff reported that her injuries were consistent with strangulation, according to the probable cause statement.
“Christa, at her core, was a caregiver,” loved ones said on GoFundMe. “ ... Christa was a devoted daughter. The epitome of a protective big sister. And a generous, nurturing friend. Most importantly, to Christa, she was a mother – the embodiment of selfless care – to her two surviving children.”
Her children are 1 and 3 years old, with birthdays coming up that Christa Gilley already planned, according to the GoFundMe page.
Lee Gilley was arrested in connection to Christa Gilley’s death on Oct. 11, according to court records.
“This is still very early on in the proceedings, we are gathering all the information about the case and trying to get to the bottom of what actually occurred. He is devastated at the loss of his wife and the mother of his children and we’re working to get to the bottom of what happened,” his defense attorney, Ed McClees, told McClatchy News.
Prosecutors requested he be held without bond, court records showed. However, a judge set his bond at $1 million.
Lee Gilley posted bond on Oct. 21, and McClees said he has been released from custody. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 20.
This story was originally published October 22, 2024 at 3:00 PM with the headline "Man accused of killing pregnant wife with kids home released on bond, Texas officials say."
