Man who claims to own home in middle of murder case also claims ownership in 8 other houses: records

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- ABC13 is learning more about a man who claims he now owns the home that has sat empty ever since accused murderer Lee Gilley took off for Italy in May.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Lee Gilley case: Victim's family wants to know who is living in their dead daughter's home

The house on Allston Street in the Heights is jointly owned by Lee and Christa Gilley. It's been in probate since Christa was killed and Lee was charged with her murder.

SEE ALSO: Man accused of killing wife, unborn child to stay in custody overseas after fleeing to Italy: Media

However, earlier this week, a neighbor called the police to report someone else had moved into the home. ABC13 followed that revelation through court documents, and it's led to a man named Matthew Jackson and a company related to him, called Save a Life Homes, LLC.

"His company had no interest in the property," real estate attorney Dennis McQueen said of the Gilley home. "He would have to get a note from the Gilleys or their family to have interest in the property, so it's just made-up documents."

According to court records, Jackson filed documents for adverse possession of the Gilley house in May, but it's far from the only home he claims to own.

"I took a look at the files, and it looks like there have been 9 deeds filed," McQueen said, who reviewed the various court filings for ABC13. "Typically, in a deed, the grantor is 'John Smith,' to 'Mary Jones.' Well, in this case, all the deed's grantor was Save a Life LLC, and the grantees were Save a Life, LLC. So, it's from the same company."

One of the properties in dispute is a home on Coltwood Drive in Spring that used to be owned by Darin Kurtz's father. After their father's death, the adult children were supposed to inherit the modest house. However, Kurtz discovered that Jackson had filed documents claiming ownership of the property. The home has since become the subject of an ongoing civil lawsuit that remains unresolved.

"I'm a little disturbed by it," Kurtz said. "It's my dad's old house. And we renovated, and lived in it since I was a young kid. It hurts, but what can you do?"

Another home located in the 8000 block of Glen Valley is also among the properties Jackson says he owns. ABC13 paid a visit to that house. Nobody was home, but the cameras and doorbell systems used were the same as those on the Gilley property. It also had similar signs posted on the door, claiming Jackson as the owner.

The Glen Valley property is also the subject of a federal court case involving ownership disputes, while the Gilley property remains in probate court.

"I'm not sure how Mr. Jackson finds vacant houses, but that's one way to find it," McQueen said of the Gilley property in the Heights. "You read about it and think nobody is living there, so you go take it over."

Besides those court filings, records show Jackson has also faced trespassing charges connected to another property associated with Save a Life Homes.

McQueen believes the allegations go beyond civil disagreements.

"It's real bold," he said. "Like I said, it's a crime."

During a court hearing this week, members of the Gilley family did not specify what legal steps they plan to take to remove Jackson or Save a Life Homes from the property.

Jackson did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.