Friends dedicate Folly Beach boat to Summerville native allegedly killed by husband

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Friends of a Summerville native who was allegedly murdered by her husband earlier this month gathered to paint the Folly Beach graffiti boat in her honor Monday.

Christa Bauer Gilley, 38, was found unresponsive in her Texas home on Oct. 8, according to the Houston Police Department. She was 8 weeks pregnant at the time.

Officers were dispatched after Christa’s husband, Lee Mongerson Gilley, called and reported his wife had committed suicide. Paramedics took Christa to the hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

“Hospital staff indicated Ms. Gilley had bruising and apparent trauma to her face,” Houston PD said.

An autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences revealed Christa died from “compression of the neck” and ruled her death a homicide.

38-year-old Lee was arrested on Oct. 11 for capital murder and booked at the Harris County jail.

County court records show that he was released on a $1,000,000 bond on Oct. 21. Conditions of the bond prohibit Lee from having contact with the Bauer family and the two children he shares with Christa.

Trae Ray, a family friend, said they wanted to paint the famous boat to raise awareness about domestic violence and remember Christa.

“I know the family very well. We are really trying still to process this, but what I have learned from other domestic violence victims is that domestic violence lives in silence and that family members and even the best of friends, they don’t even know that it’s going on,” Ray recounted. “So, the more we can get awareness, the better off everybody is.”

Christa’s friends have also set up a GoFundMe to support the Bauer family with legal, travel and childcare costs for Christa’s young children. She had a son and daughter, both under the age of five.  

Friends described her as a devoted and compassionate caregiver, according to the donation site. Organizer say she utilized these traits in her work as a physical therapist and professor for a healthcare system in Houston.

“She brought life to nearly any social situation. And joy to those who knew her from all stages of her life,” friends wrote.

So far, $179,398 has been raised out of a $200,000 goal.

October is domestic violence awareness month, and there are several local resources to help if you or someone you know is suffering.

My Sister’s House is an organization that offers free services such as a crisis hotline, private shelter, safe haven housing and court advocacy.

The Palmetto Hope Network provides resources for victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence.

Nationally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has 24/7 support options, including a call number at 1-800-799-7233.