Photo: Christa Bauer Gilley/Facebook
A Texas man, Lee Gilley, who initially told police his pregnant wife died from an overdose, is now facing capital murder charges for allegedly killing her, authorities revealed.
The tragic incident unfolded on Monday, October 7, when Houston police responded to a call reporting a possible suicide at the home of 38-year-old Lee Gilley and his wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, also 38, according to a statement from the Houston Police Department. report by Law and Crime.
Lee informed officers that he and Christa, who was pregnant with their third child, had been at home with their two young children that day. They were involved in an argument, and later, Christa went to bed. Three hours later, Lee claimed he found her unresponsive and immediately called 911 while attempting CPR, as detailed in a bond order obtained by PEOPLE.
Paramedics rushed Christa to a nearby hospital, where she was tragically pronounced dead. Initially, Lee explained to police that his wife had overdosed.
However, hospital staff noted “bruising and apparent trauma” on Christa’s face, raising immediate concerns about the cause of her death, the police statement said. Further investigation revealed more alarming details.
Both a hospital physician and the medical examiner discovered injuries consistent with strangulation, according to the bond order. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences later confirmed the manner of death as homicide, with the official cause listed as “compression of the neck,” further solidifying the suspicion of foul play.
Lee Gilley, who is identified on LinkedIn as the founder and product architect of Excel Engineering, was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail. He remains in custody without bond as authorities pursue capital murder charges. His lawyer has not yet responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Christa’s family, devastated by the tragic loss, released a statement to KBTX expressing their sorrow. “Christa was an amazing mother, full of love, and excited to welcome her third child,” they shared. “They were taken from this world needlessly and way too early.”
As the investigation continues, the case has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many grieving the untimely and violent loss of a mother and her unborn child.
