POLICE Department

Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash at 16000 Eastex Freeway

August 5, 2021 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 16000 Eastex Freeway (North U.S. Highway 59) that occurred about 2 a.m. today.  

The suspect, Cathy Ann Gilley (w/f, 51), is charged with murder in the 263rd State District Court.  A booking photo of Gilley is not available at this time, as she remains hospitalized.  

The identity of the male victim is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Griffiths and Officer F. Flynn reported:  

A maroon Ford F-150 pickup truck and a white Chevrolet Trailblazer  were traveling southbound near the above address when, according to passengers in the Trailblazer, the windshield began to fog up.  Along with heavy rain, it became difficult for the driver of the Trailblazer to see.  The driver of the Trailblazer attempted to exit the freeway and changed lanes and was struck in the rear by the pickup truck. 

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the driver of the Trailblazer deceased.  The three juvenile passengers in the Trailblazer, a 12-year-old male, and two females, 8 and 14, suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.  The adult male passenger in the pickup truck was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.  .  

The driver of the pickup truck, later identified as Gilley, was determined to be impaired and had two prior convictions for driving under the influence.  She was subsequently charged for her role in the crash.  

VHS/JKS 8-5-21
Inc #105157021-V

For additional information, please contact the HPD Community Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.