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4w ago

Deputies Reclaim Vacant Heights Home After Man Posted Ownership Claims

Officials say the entry exposes a pattern of apparent property-claim tactics that could be used to seize vacant houses tied to criminal cases.

Deputies entered the home of Lee Gilley with the help of a locksmith Monday after a man attempted to take ownership of the Heights residence. The house in the 800 block of Allston Street was left vacant following Gilley’s escape from the U.S. to seek asylum in Italy. He was facing a capital murder trial in Houston in connection with the death of his pregnant wife.
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Authorities have launched a criminal investigation after a disputed deed was filed for the Heights home connected to the Lee Gilley murder case. Matthew Jackson and Save A Life Homes LLC claimed ownership, but the family of Christa Bauer, the victim, disputed this, asserting ongoing partial ownership.

Overview

  • Precinct 1 deputy constables entered the Allston Street house on Monday with a locksmith, removed documents taped to windows and doors, and found nothing that appeared stolen.
  • County records show a Houston man named Matthew Jackson filed paperwork asserting ownership of the house and posted the notices inside the property.
  • A Houston Chronicle review tied Jackson to attempts to claim about a dozen Harris County properties, including two connected to homicide investigations.
  • The house was left vacant after murder suspect Lee Gilley fled to Italy while facing a capital murder case, and deputies are comparing current photos to earlier images as part of an active probe.
  • Constable Alan Rosen is expected to comment on the decision to enter the home as investigators consider possible felony charges and review how public property filings can be used in alleged frauds.