From Houstonchronicle · · 2m
Lee Gilley Custody Trial Begins
Houston man accused of killing wife in 2024 faces child custody battle with family over two young children.
In brief
Houston man accused of killing wife in 2024 faces child custody battle with family over two young children. Lee Gilley, accused of murdering his wife in 2024, is in a child custody trial with his brother and sister-in-law versus his wife's parents for his two children. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
Custody Trial Starts
A civil trial over who will care for Lee Gilley's two children begins at the Harris County Civil Courthouse in Houston on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Lee Gilley's Wife Murder
Authorities suspected Lee Gilley of strangling his wife in October 2024 and arrested him days later on a capital murder charge.
Two Sides in Custody Battle
Lee Gilley's brother and sister-in-law seek joint conservatorship while Christa Gilley's parents seek sole conservatorship of the children.
Legal Representation
Dennis Slate represents Matt and Cristin Gilley while Tim Ballengee and Wendy Burgower represent Chris and Sharon Bauer.
Lee Gilley's Current Status
Lee Gilley fled to Italy after being accused of killing his wife in 2024 and claims asylum from prosecution there.
Opening Statements
Angela Stout, attorney for grandparents, told jurors the Bauers have done nothing but do what's best for the children.
Juror Concerns
Some potential jurors worried the grandparents would be too old to handle two young children.
Uncle's Defense
Dennis Slate, attorney for Matt and Cristin Gilley, told the jury to scrutinize evidence for signs the uncle knew about his brother's activities.
Children's Ages
The children are ages 3 and 5, now living in a custody dispute after Lee Gilley's criminal court barred contact with them.
Trial Timeline
The trial, expected to last two weeks, will end with the jury deciding custody between the grandparents in South Carolina and Lee Gilley's family in North Carolina.
Uncle's Claim
Matt Gilley's attorney said, 'Matt isn't Lee,' to distinguish the uncle from the accused.
“Matt isn't Lee”
Children's Safety
Christa Gilley's parents expressed concerns that Gilley's brother and sister-in-law could take the children to Italy.
The essence
Lee Gilley, accused of murdering his wife in 2024, is in a child custody trial with his brother and sister-in-law versus his wife's parents for his two children.
