What happened to Christa Gilley? Software consultant husband arrested after pregnant wife found dead in Houston home

Christa Gilley, Lee Gilley (Image via Facebook/Christa Bauer Gilley, Facebook/Lee Gilley)
Christa Gilley, Lee Gilley (Image via Facebook/Christa Bauer Gilley, Facebook/Lee Gilley)

A tragic incident took place in Houston, Texas, a week ago, when Christa Gilley, mother of two, was found dead on her bed. Christa's software consultant husband Lee Gilley allegedly called 911 to report his wife's death.

Per court documents, he told the operator that his wife has killed herself with a drug overdose. However, alleged strangulation marks on her body have led to her husband being taken into police custody. Moreover, the 38-year-old woman was nine weeks pregnant.

Why did the police arrest Christa Gilley's husband?

The authorities have reported that Christa Gilley and Lee Gilley were at their home in The Heights on Allston Street near 8th Street, Houston, ahead of the former's death.

Lee allegedly told the police that he and Christa were arguing last Monday night. When he went to bed three hours later, he found his wife unresponsive. Upon calling the police, he allegedly told the operator that he was performing CPR on his wife who attempted to take her own life with an overdose. Per the court records, Lee Gilley confirmed his wife was neither suicidal, nor did she take drugs.

Christa Gilley was soon taken to the hospital where her death was confirmed. However, a medical examiner then allegedly confirmed she had injuries from strangulation. It was also later revealed that she was nine weeks pregnant with her third child.

Christa had a doctorate in physical therapy and worked at Memorial Hermann. Following her mysterious death, her husband has been taken into custody and has been charged with capital murder.

He is being allegedly accused of strangling his pregnant wife. Lee has been denied bond, but his plea will be further discussed on Thursday. The district attorney's office has also requested the court for a hearing to keep Lee in jail until proven guilty.

Meanwhile, Christa Gilley's family is seeking justice for their daughter and her unborn child. An attorney for her family told KHOU 11 that Christa was an "amazing mother."

"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," read the statement.

Christa Gilley and Lee Gilley's two children are currently staying with family members.

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Edited by Mudeet Arora