A Houston family says a visit to their late daughter’s home opened a new property fight after they found cameras, signs, and people they did not recognize at the house.
The home on Allston Street in the Heights belonged to Christa Gilley and her husband, Lee Gilley, according to ABC13 Houston. Lee Gilley is charged with capital murder in Christa’s death and remains in custody in Italy while officials review a U.S. extradition request.
Christa’s father, Christopher Bauer, testified during a Harris County family court hearing that he recently went to the home and found strangers living there. He also reported closed blinds, “No Trespassing” signs, and cameras on the property.
Vacant homes tied to probate, criminal cases, family disputes, or unresolved ownership questions can become difficult to protect quickly. Once another person claims possession, police may treat the conflict as a civil property dispute instead of a simple trespassing call.
Police Responded After a Neighbor Called
Houston police said officers responded to the home Wednesday evening after a neighbor reported someone inside the residence.
According to ABC13, a man refused to come out and communicated through a doorbell speaker. Police said the man claimed he was in possession of the home and could prove it in court.
KPRC 2 reported that police contacted the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, but the matter was referred to the constable’s office because it was considered a civil dispute.
Documents Were Filed After Gilley Left the Country
ABC13 reported that a notice posted at the home said the property was under the “possession and control” of Save A Life Homes.
Court records reviewed by the station showed that the company filed an affidavit of adverse possession and a warranty deed on May 21, about three weeks after investigators say Lee Gilley fled the country.
Despite those filings, ABC13 reported that Harris County appraisal records still listed Christa and Lee Gilley as the legal owners. People also reported that official records still listed the Gilleys as the owners of the home.
The Claims May Reach Other Homes
In a follow-up report, ABC13 said Matthew Jackson and Save A Life Homes were tied to filings involving several other properties.
Real estate attorney Dennis McQueen reviewed records for ABC13 and described the filings tied to the Gilley home as “made-up documents.” He told the station the company would need a valid transfer from the Gilleys or their family to have an interest in the property.
ABC13 reported that Jackson did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.
Vacant Homes Need Fast Paperwork and Physical Checks
The Gilley property remains in probate court, and Lee Gilley’s criminal case remains on hold while Italian officials consider the extradition request.
For families handling an estate or an empty home, the Houston dispute points to several practical steps: check property records, watch for unexpected deed filings, keep insurance and utilities organized, document who has permission to enter, and visit the property regularly when it can be done safely.
Once signs, cameras, locks, or claimed ownership documents appear at a property, families usually need legal help quickly. A house can look vacant from the street while a title or possession dispute is already taking shape on paper.