Lee Mongerson Gilley, a 38-year-old Houston father and husband, has been charged with capital murder in connection with the death of his pregnant wife, Christa. According to court documents, Christa was strangled, leading to both her death and the death of their unborn child. Gilley was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail after authorities accused him of intentionally causing his wife’s death by applying pressure to her neck and upper back.
Police were called to the Gilley residence after a report of suicide, where they found Christa unresponsive with bruising and apparent trauma to her face. Hospital staff later confirmed that she died from strangulation, ruling her death as a homicide. Gilley initially told authorities that his wife had attempted suicide by overdosing, but doctors who treated her did not believe his story matched the evidence.
Christa, a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, had been working for the Memorial Hermann Health System. Loved ones described her as a beautiful person inside and out who was passionate about helping her patients and colleagues. A GoFundMe has been organized to support Christa’s family, which has raised nearly $60,000 so far.
Christa and Lee Gilley had been married since 2017 and shared two children together. Christa’s family is devastated by her tragic death and the loss of her unborn child, and they hope for justice for their loved ones. An online candlelight vigil in Christa’s honor is scheduled, and her family is focused on supporting her children and preserving her memory.
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