A Texas man, 38-year-old Lee Mongerson Gilley, has been accused of killing his pregnant wife, 38-year-old Christa Bauer Gilley, by strangling her to death at their home in Houston on October 7. The alleged crime was discovered when officers responded to a report of a suicide, but an autopsy later revealed that Christa had injuries consistent with strangulation, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Gilley initially told authorities that his wife had intentionally tried to overdose, but the investigation revealed that he was the prime suspect. He was arrested on October 11 and charged with capital murder. Christa was about eight weeks pregnant at the time of her death, and she leaves behind two toddlers.
According to reports, Gilley had considered leaving with the children soon after his wife’s death, but his defense attorney, Ed McClees, denied that he was trying to flee. McClees claimed that Gilley was planning to visit his parents and children’s grandparents in South Carolina, not abandon the children.
The case has been marred by controversy, with Gilley’s defense team still awaiting the release of key evidence from the investigation. Gilley has been prohibited from having contact with the children and has had his passport surrendered. A judge has granted a temporary joint conservatorship over the children to their maternal grandparents and Gilley’s sister-in-law.
Christa, a physical therapist, was described by friends as a caregiver and a devoted mother. Her death has sent shockwaves through her community, with many mourning the loss of her “selfless care” and the impact on her two young children.
