A Houston man has been charged with the murder of his pregnant wife, as authorities allege he strangled her in their home on October 8. Lee Gilley, 38, was charged with capital murder in the death of his wife, Christa Bauer Gilley. Christa was about eight weeks pregnant at her death, and the couple had two other young children at home.
Christian Capitaine, an attorney not associated with the case, explained to KPRC 2 that the capital murder charge includes both the death of Christa and her preborn child. “So basically, under Texas law and the DA’s office has procured a capital murder charge, which basically takes into account the death of the unborn child under the circumstances, that the killing of the mother and the child are both taken into account with this charge,” he said.
Authorities say Gilley called 911 and reported that his wife died of an overdose, but when they examined her body, they found “bruising and apparent trauma to her face” consistent with strangulation. After an investigation, the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled her death a homicide.
READ: Questions raised over why pregnant woman’s murder isn’t charged as double homicide
Gilley later told police the couple had been arguing about the purchase of a new vehicle. He also admitted that his wife was not a drug user.
Homicide is one of the leading causes of death for pregnant women, exceeding all the leading health-related causes of maternal mortality. Many of these tragic deaths are domestic violence situations.
Christa’s family released a statement to USA Today following her death.
“Christa’s family is devastated by her tragic death and the death of her unborn child,” it read. “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.”
