A Texas software developer has been freed on a $1million bond despite allegedly killing his pregnant wife.
Lee Gilley, 38, has been charged with the murder of his professor wife Christa, 38, who was pregnant when she was strangled in their Houston, Texas, home on October 7.
Police say Gilley, who was arrested on October 11, tried to make his wife’s murder look like a suicide.
Christa’s family has said they are disappointed Gilley was able to bond out of jail on Thursday, as reported by Click 2 Houston.
‘We are deeply disappointed that the Defendant made bond just a 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 professor wife Christa, 38, in Houston. He was freed on $1million bond on Thursday
As part of his bond conditions, Gilley is not allowed to contact the couple’s two children, who are in the care of relatives
‘Christa’s family and loved ones want what is best for her children and support law enforcement’s efforts to bring justice for Christa and her unborn child.’
As part of his bond conditions, Gilley is not allowed to contact the couple’s two children, who are in the care of relatives.
Defense attorney Ed McClees said Gilley is devastated over his wife’s loss.
‘There’s more that’s unknown than known right now,’ McClees said about Christa’s death.
Prosecutors say Lee called 911 on October 7 and claimed Christa had tried to kill herself by overdosing and that he was performing CPR.
Lee told police he and Christa had been arguing before he went to sleep and woke up three hours later to find her unresponsive.
Christa was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Doctors quickly discovered injuries to her body that were not consistent with a suicide attempt, according to court documents.
Christa’s autopsy determined she died ‘due to compression of the neck’ as her injuries were consistent with strangulation.
Prosecutors say Lee admitted Christa was not suicidal or a drug user.
Prosecutors day Lee called 911 on October 7 and claimed Christa had tried to kill herself by overdosing and that he was performing CPR
Christa’s autopsy determined she died ‘due to compression of the neck’ as her injuries were consistent with strangulation
Lee was arrested and charged with the murders of his wife and unborn child on Friday, October 11.
A judge had denied his bond request the following Monday Monday.
The alleged killer is listed as the founder of software consulting company, Docmo.
Christa, on her part, had a doctorate in physical therapy and worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Her family said in a statement they are devastated by her death and the death of her unborn child.
The couples $1million home in Houston is pictured above
The couple married in Charleston, South Carolina in 2017 after nearly a decade after initially meeting, as reported by local media at the time
‘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,’ the family said.
‘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.’
Police have yet to reveal a motive for the alleged murder.
The couple married in Charleston, South Carolina in 2017 after nearly a decade after initially meeting, as reported by local media at the time.
A post on Charleston Weddings Magazine said: ‘After going on one date and then going their separate ways, the two reconnected 8 years later in Boston for their second date. Talk about meant to be!
‘Lee flew from San Diego to Houston 11 months later where he surprised Christa with a proposal.’
