HOUSTON – A Houston man accused of killing his pregnant wife waived his appearance in court Monday and appeared calm when speaking to his attorneys.
Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, is charged with capital murder in the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, 38.
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Lee sat in the courtroom in the jury’s box for an hour waiting for prosecutors to arrive.
Despite his charges, KPRC 2′s Cathy Hernandez described Gilley as looking cool, calm, and collected while he sat in court and spoke to his attorneys. His parents were also present as well as Christa’s parents, who sat on the opposite side of the courtroom.
A bond discussion is set for Thursday.
What happened
Officers first went to a home on Allston Street in The Heights on Oct. 7 in response to a suicide. Lee reportedly told officers he found his wife unresponsive.
Court records show Lee claimed his wife overdosed and he attempted CPR. Paramedics rushed Christa to the hospital where she died.
Hospital staff indicated Christa had bruising and apparent trauma to her face. An autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled Christa Gilley’s death was a homicide “due to compression of the neck,” or injuries consistent with strangulation. The autopsy also revealed Christa Gilley was about eight weeks pregnant.
Lee was arrested on Friday, Oct. 11 and booked into the Harris County Jail without bond.
Records show he later admitted his wife was not suicidal and was not a drug user. He reportedly told police he and his wife had been arguing and then she went to bed. Three hours later, he says he found her unresponsive. The records also show two small children were inside the house when this all occurred.
Capitaine said the capital murder charge includes both the woman and her unborn child.
Christa’s family attorney released the following statement:
“Christa’s family is devastated by her tragic death and the death of her unborn child. 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. Christa’s family appreciates the outpouring from the community and hopes for justice for their daughter and their unborn grandchild. They are here to support Christa’s children and to focus on the memory of their daughter.”
Christa was a physical therapist at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Prosecutors said the two children the couple shared are currently with family members.