HOUSTON — A man accused of strangling his pregnant wife remains in jail. Lee Mongerson Gilley, 38, is charged with killing his wife, Christa Gilley, in their home located in the Houston Heights neighborhood.
The incident occurred on October 7 on Allston Street. Lindsey Boundurant, a prosecutor with Harris County, stated, “It’s alleged that the defendant took the life of his pregnant wife. They also have some young children in the home.”
According to police reports, Lee Gilley called emergency services and claimed that Christa had committed suicide. However, medical professionals found injuries on her body that did not match his account.
Doctors at the hospital and the medical examiner determined that her injuries were consistent with strangulation. Court documents indicate that Lee Gilley intentionally caused his wife’s death by applying pressure to her neck and upper back. They also reveal that he intentionally caused the death of their unborn child by doing the same while Christa was nine weeks pregnant.
Christine Anderson, a neighbor who has lived across from the Gilley home for four years, expressed her shock. “I never heard any disturbances coming from across the street. I’m just in complete shock,” she said. “She was just a great neighbor.”
Another local resident, Linda Vincent, shared her grief. “To hear that she was also pregnant, I could just start crying. I’ve been thinking about her all morning, and I just feel bad,” she said.
Lee Gilley’s bond will be reviewed on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Houston Heights community plans to hold a vigil in memory of Christa Gilley on Tuesday.
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