HOUSTON – A million dollar bond was set Thursday for a Houston man accused of killing his pregnant wife last Monday.
Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, was charged with capital murder in the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, 38.
Bond set in court
In court, prosecutors requested a $3 million bond and the defense attorney representing Lee, Ed McClees, asked for a $200,000 bond to be set.
After the judge heard details of the case, he set a $1 million bond.
McClees said after the bond hearing that Lee is currently devastated over the loss of his wife. He said they are working hard to get to the bottom of what happened to her.
“There’s more that’s unknown than known right now,” McClees said.
Harris County Assistant Attorney Lindsey Bondurant said they are pleased with the judge’s $1 million bond and bond conditions. One of the bond conditions states that Lee is not allowed to contact his two children, given the allegations of the children being home at the time of the incident.
Bondurant said on the night of the homicide, Lee made concerning statements to investigators, saying “bad things happen to good people” or that he was “being set up.” Prosecutors also detailed Christa’s injuries, stating the autopsy showed additional injuries and trauma to her face and neck. Medical examiners also stated that she had additional prolonged injuries and trauma on her neck and muscular injuries to her back.
What happened
Officers first went to the Gilley’s 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 Gilley said 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.
Gilley was arrested on Friday, Oct. 11 and booked into the Harris County Jail.
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.
Officials said the capital murder charge includes both Christa 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.