A Houston man has been charged with capital murder in connection with the tragic death of his pregnant wife, according to court documents. Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, faces a serious charge following the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, who was strangled, resulting in both her death and the death of their unborn child.
The charges were filed in the 497th State District Court, and Gilley was taken into custody on Friday. The Houston Police Department announced his arrest on Saturday, and he is currently being held in the Harris County Jail.
Court documents reveal that authorities believe Gilley “intentionally and knowingly” caused the deaths by “applying pressure to Christa Gilley’s neck and upper back,” resulting in her death and that of her unborn child.
Gilley’s defense has expressed his sorrow over the tragic event. “Mr. Gilley is devastated at the loss of his wife, and we’re working hard to get to the bottom of what actually happened,” his attorney stated during a phone call.
As the investigation continues, details surrounding the circumstances of the incident remain limited. This heartbreaking case has shocked the local community, as both the death of Christa and the loss of the unborn child weigh heavily on friends and family.
Authorities are working to gather more information as the case progresses, while Gilley remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.