Christa Bauer Gilley/Facebook
A Texas man is now facing capital murder charges after authorities say he killed his pregnant wife, despite initially claiming that she had died from an overdose. Lee Gilley, 38, was arrested following an investigation into the death of his wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, who was also 38 and nine weeks pregnant with their third child.
According to the Houston Police Department, officers were dispatched to the couple’s home on Monday, October 7, after Lee called to report a suicide. Upon arriving, police found Christa unresponsive. In a statement to authorities, Lee explained that he and Christa had been arguing earlier that day while at home with their two small children.
He said Christa went to bed after the argument, and when he checked on her three hours later, she was unresponsive. Lee told officers that he attempted CPR and called 911. Christa was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. Lee told the police that his wife had overdosed, but medical staff at the hospital reported inconsistencies with his story.
According to a bond order obtained by PEOPLE, medical personnel observed “bruising and apparent trauma to her face,” which raised suspicions about the cause of death. A hospital physician and the medical examiner later confirmed that Christa’s injuries were consistent with strangulation, not an overdose.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ultimately ruled Christa’s death a homicide, determining the cause to be due to neck compression. This directly contradicted Lee’s initial claim. Furthermore, the bond order revealed that Lee admitted Christa was neither suicidal nor a drug user, casting further doubt on his account.
Lee, the founder and product architect of Excel Engineering according to his LinkedIn profile, was arrested on Friday, October 11. He has since been charged with capital murder and is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond.
Christa’s family expressed their deep grief in a statement shared with KBTX, saying, “Christa was an amazing mother, full of love, and excited to welcome her third child. They were taken from this world needlessly and way too early.” The family is left mourning the loss of not only Christa but also the unborn child she was eagerly awaiting.
As the investigation continues, the tragic case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence. Authorities are working to uncover more details about the events leading up to Christa’s death, while Lee remains in custody, facing the serious charge of capital murder. The case has shocked the local community and brought renewed attention to the critical issue of intimate partner violence.
The Gilley family’s devastating loss serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help in volatile relationships, with organizations and resources available for those in need.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
