A Texas man was released on $1 million bail despite allegedly killing his pregnant wife.
Lee Gilley, 38, has been charged with the murder of his teacher wife Christa, 38, who was pregnant when she was strangled in their Houston, Texas, home on October 7.
Police say Gilley, who was arrested Oct. 11, tried to make his wife’s murder look like a suicide.
Christa’s family has said they are disappointed that Gilley was able to bond out of jail Thursday, according to reports. Click 2 Houston.
“We are deeply disappointed that the defendant posted bail just one week after Christa’s death, but we are focused on the safety and well-being of Christa’s children,” a family attorney said in a statement.
Gilley, 38, has been charged with the murder of his teacher wife Christa, 38, in Houston. He was released Thursday on $1 million bail.
As part of the conditions of their bond, Gilley cannot contact the couple’s two children, who are in the care of relatives.
“Christa’s family and loved ones want the best for her children and support authorities’ efforts to bring justice for Christa and her unborn child.”
As part of the conditions of their bond, Gilley cannot contact the couple’s two children, who are in the care of relatives.
Defense attorney Ed McClees said Gilley is devastated by the loss of his wife.
“At this point more is unknown than is known,” McClees said of Christa’s death.
Prosecutors say Lee called 911 on Oct. 7 and claimed Christa had tried to commit suicide by overdosing and that he was performing CPR.
Lee told police that he and Christa had been arguing before going to sleep and that he woke up three hours later to find her unconscious.
Christa was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Doctors quickly discovered injuries on his body that were not consistent with a suicide attempt, according to court documents.
Christa’s autopsy determined that she died “due to neck compression,” as her injuries were consistent with strangulation.
Prosecutors say Lee admitted that Christa was not suicidal or using drugs.
On prosecutors’ day, Lee called 911 on Oct. 7 and claimed Christa had attempted suicide by overdose and that he was performing CPR.
Christa’s autopsy determined that she died “due to neck compression,” as her injuries were consistent with strangulation.
Lee was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife and unborn child on Friday, October 11.
A judge had denied his bail request the following Monday.
The alleged killer is listed as the founder of the software consulting company Docmo.
Christa, for her part, had a doctorate in physical therapy and worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
His family said in a statement that they are devastated by his death and the death of their unborn child.
The couple’s $1 million home in Houston is shown above
The couple married in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017, after nearly a decade of initially knowing each other, local media reported at the time.
‘Christa was an incredible mother, full of love and excited to welcome her third child. “They were taken from this world unnecessarily and too soon,” the family said.
‘Christa’s family appreciates the community outpouring and hopes for justice for their daughter and unborn grandson.
“They are here to support Christa’s children and focus on their daughter’s memory.”
Police have not yet revealed a motive for the alleged murder.
The couple married in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017, nearly a decade after initially meeting, local media reported at the time.
A post in Charleston Weddings magazine said: ‘After dating and then going their separate ways, the two reconnected 8 years later in Boston for their second date. Talk about destiny!
“Lee flew from San Diego to Houston 11 months later, where he surprised Christa with a proposal.”