HOUSTON – A man accused of killing his pregnant wife and lying to authorities about what happened is out on bond just days after it was set at $1 million.
The bond was set Thursday for Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, who was charged with capital murder for his wife’s death, Christa Gilley, 38. on Monday that very week.
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Christa’s family (via their attorney) shared the following statement with KPRC 2 saying in part they were disappointed he was able to bond out so quickly but will continue to honor her memory and remain committed to bringing her justice (as well as to her unborn).
“Christa’s family remains focused on remembering Christa as a kind, welcoming, and selfless mother, friend, and daughter. We are deeply disappointed that the Defendant made bond just a week after Christa’s death, but we are focused on the safety and well being of Christa’s children. Christa’s family and loved ones want what is best for her children and support law enforcement’s efforts to bring justice for Christa and her unborn child.”
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, a physical therapist at Memorial Hermann Hospital, and her unborn child.
Prosecutors said the two children the couple shared are currently with family members.
Bond set in court
In court on Thursday, prosecutors requested a $3 million bond, however, Lee’s defense attorney, 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.
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McClees said after the bond hearing that Lee was devastated over the loss of his wife and 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.