Inside Today: An open letter from the Harvard Elementary School PTO president Page 4
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Saturday, October 26, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No. 43
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Heights capital murder suspect released on bond By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Lee Gilley, husband to Christa Gilley accused and charged with Capital Murder in Harris County, has been released on bond. According to court records, Gilley was released on Oct. 21 after posting a $1 million bond, after Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Bondurant filed a motion to find aggravated circumstances to prevent his release: “Aggravating facts specific to the nature of the case: The Defendant is accused of the capital murder of his wife and unborn child in the family home while the couple’s two young
children were also in the home,” Bondurant argued in the filing. “In the commission of the strangulation capital murder, the Defendant caused significant trauma [details omitted by editor]. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.15, the nature of the offense and the circumstances under which the offense was committed are to be considered, as should the future safety of the community, which includes the Complainant’s two young children. The defendant also has significant ties out of state and sufficient means to flee the jurisdiction.” Gilley was ordered to wear a GPS device.
In a case that shocked the Houston Heights and surrounding communities, Gilley is accused of strangling his wife Christa, who was 8-9 weeks pregnant at the time, on the evening of Oct. 7, after an argument. His release on bond was not the news Christa’s family wanted to hear. Heights attorney Tim Ballengee issued a statement on their behalf: “Christa’s family remains focused on remembering Christa as a kind, welcoming, and selfless mother, friend, and daughter. 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
Christa Gilley
Lee Gilley
children. 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.” A capital murder charge is death penalty eligible in Texas.
Heights RUN, WALK, RESCUE! Kroger unveils
Wild Tunes: Melodies of Gratitude Concert set for Oct. 26
completed remodel after five months of renovations
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By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
Live at Live Oak: Celebrating Diwali this Saturday
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Check out upcoming events in the Arts District
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Council Member Abbie Kamin’s Families with Pride event takes place this weekend
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Submitted images
#RunForaReason is the hashtag Chevron Houston Marathon organizers use for their charity program. The reason in this case, of course, is raising funds for animals in need.
Join Friends For Life’s running team to help animals in need
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com As the Chevron Houston Marathon weekend approaches (January 2025 will be here before you know it!), Friends For Life, a Heights-based animal shelter, is gearing up to make a difference for animals in need by recruiting runners and walkers to join their running team. The event, scheduled for January 18-19, 2025, will be an opportunity for participants to not only achieve personal fitness goals but also raise critical funds that directly support the shelter’s mission. Friends For Life has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $125,000. These funds will help provide medical care, rehabilitation, and forever homes for the over 200 animals in their care, along with a steady stream of new arrivals. According to Louie Matta,
The Kroger located at 1035 North Shepherd Drive in The Heights has officially wrapped up its significant remodel, following five months of renovations. The project represents a major investment in the store, enhancing the shopping experience for the local community. “Kroger has proudly served Houston since 1955, and it remains an exciting, innovative market for us. This year alone, we are making a multi-million-dollar investment to remodel 18 stores across Greater Houston as well as enhancing our grocery pickup and delivery services to continue providing our customers with a fresh and friendly shopping experience,” said Jesse Avelar, vice president of operations for Kroger. Jeff Bailey, the store leader at The Heights Kroger, expressed his enthusiasm for the store’s relaunch. “Kroger is excited for our neighbors to experience our newly redesigned store right here in the heart of The Heights. Our store is an essential part of this neighborhood, and I, along with my amazing team of 163 associates, cannot wait for everyone to come in, see the changes, and feel right at home.” See KROGER P. 2
Costumes are welcome if you’re running or walking the Chevron Houston Marathon in Jan. 2025 on the Friends For Life running team. Supporting your favorite charity can be lots of fun!
spokesperson for Friends For Life, the organization has participated in the Houston Marathon for years, and the event has become a vital part of their fundraising efforts. “Our goal is to create visibility for the needs of the animals and the
programs we provide,” said Matta. “We’re aiming to recruit 125 runners for the upcoming race, and every step they take will help us continue to rescue and care for homeless See #RUNFORAREASON P. 5
Photo courtesy of Kroger
Heights Kroger revamped the majority of its departments to provide an even better shopping experience to customers.
Cub Scout Pack 678 celebrates 75 years of community, growth, and tradition Movie Review: The Wild Robot
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THE INDEX. People ���������������������������������������2 Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������7 Local Culture �����������������������������8
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor Cub Scout Pack 678, chartered to Oaks Presbyterian Church in Oak Forest, is preparing to celebrate an incredible milestone: 75 years of continuous service, learning, and growth within the scouting program. On Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, the pack gathered for a special celebration marking not only its long history but also the support of the church and the Oak Forest community. For decades, Pack 678 has been a
cornerstone for local families, offering youth the opportunity to develop essential life skills through service projects like food drives, tree planting, and more. Pack 678 has been consistently supported by Oaks Presbyterian Church, which has played a crucial role in its success and longevity. “We are fortunate to have a church family that has stood by scouting even through difficult times,” said Linda Blackmon, Cubmaster of Pack 648 and spokesperson for Cub Scout Pack 678.
Over the years, Blackmon has seen many changes within the scouting program. Reflecting on these changes, she noted, “Tiger Scouts used to earn beads for a lanyard, and Wolf and Bear scouts would earn arrow points. Now, all ranks earn belt loops, which are worn on a Cub Scout belt. Lions, or Kindergarteners, were also added in 2017.” Another significant shift came in 2018 when girls were officially welcomed into Cub Scouts. “It’s great to see how the program has evolved to be more inclusive,” Blackmon added.
Despite these changes, the core values of Cub Scouting remain the same, including the motto “Do your best.” According to Blackmon, this message resonates with both children and adults, allowing room for mistakes, learning, and eventual success. “In Scouting, you ‘Do your best.’ This gives you room to fail, to improve, and to succeed,” she explained. “Seeing a child’s face when they’ve worked hard and accomplished a task is so rewarding. It’s the same for adults—
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See PACK 678 P. 2