A grand jury in Harris County has indicted 38-year-old Lee Mongerson Gilley for capital murder in the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, also 38, whose body was discovered in their home in The Heights neighborhood of Houston on October 7, 2024. Christa was approximately eight weeks pregnant at the time of her death, and the indictment includes charges related to the deaths of both her and the unborn child. According to initial police reports, officers were dispatched to the Gilley residence on Allston Street following a 911 call reporting a possible suicide. Lee Gilley told authorities that he found his wife unresponsive and attempted CPR before calling emergency services. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Christa was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The case took a dramatic turn after the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences conducted an autopsy. The findings contradicted the initial claim of an overdose. The official cause of death was ruled as homicide by compression of the neck, consistent with manual strangulation. Further examination confirmed that Christa was in the early stages of pregnancy, approximately eight weeks along. In light of the autopsy results, authorities reclassified the case as a homicide. Lee Gilley was arrested and charged, and on Tuesday, a Harris County grand jury returned a capital murder indictment against him. Prosecutors confirmed that the charge includes the death of both Christa and her unborn child.

A judge has set Lee Gilley’s bond at $1 million. He remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.

Community in Shock Over Domestic Tragedy

The Heights neighborhood, one of Houston’s historic and close-knit communities, has been shaken by the tragedy. Neighbors and friends of the couple expressed disbelief and sorrow, particularly given the fact that Christa was expecting a child. Christa Gilley is remembered as a warm and kind-hearted woman with a deep love for family. The community held a vigil in her memory, mourning not just her loss, but also that of the unborn child.

Domestic violence advocates have spoken out following the indictment, urging others in unsafe situations to seek help and highlighting the risks pregnant women face in abusive relationships. The Houston Police Department and Harris County District Attorney’s Office have both declined to comment further due to the ongoing nature of the case. However, court records indicate that additional evidence may be presented at upcoming hearings.

This case adds to the growing concern around domestic violence-related deaths in Harris County and across Texas. According to recent reports, pregnant women are at a higher risk of homicide, especially at the hands of intimate partners. Advocacy groups are calling for more awareness, resources, and protective measures to address the intersection of domestic violence and pregnancy. The next court appearance for Lee Gilley is expected later this month. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or developments. For now, The Heights community continues to mourn a life taken too soon, while seeking justice for Christa and her unborn child.