Italy has agreed to a ‘partial extradition’ of Lee Gilley, a murder suspect from Texas, following discussions with U.S. courts. Gilley is accused of killing his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, and their unborn child in 2024. Originally set to face trial in Harris County, he fled the U.S. after removing his ankle monitor. Reports indicate he cycled away from his home and then took a private jet from Memphis, leading to suspicions of external assistance.
The Italian court’s motion, translated into English, states the extradition will be on a single charge of murder, not capital murder. Christa Bauer Gilley was pregnant at the time of her death in Houston, Texas. Prosecutors allege her husband, Lee Gilley, was responsible for her murder.
Italy’s decision specifies that Gilley will face a reduced charge of first-degree murder related to the killing of his wife only, excluding the unborn child. Previously, Italy denied extradition requests due to concerns over the potential capital murder charges in the U.S., which carry severe penalties like the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Lee Gilley is 39 years old and faces accusations of fleeing to Italy shortly before his trial was to commence in Texas. If convicted on the now-reduced charge, he could receive a sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years under Texas law.
Gilley’s defense attorney, Dick DeGeurin, confirmed that an appeal by Gilley’s legal team is likely, which may delay his return to the U.S. The attorney did not specify when Gilley might be extradited back to face charges.