Texas criminal attorney Dick DeGuerin has been practicing law for 60 years. His current client is Lee Gilley, a Houston resident accused of murdering his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer Gilley. The charges allege that Lee Gilley killed Christa, who was nine months pregnant, in their Houston home in 2024.
Authorities report that the murder suspect removed his ankle monitor and fled to Italy in May, just weeks before his trial was to start. “I’ve represented clients who skipped bond, but I’ve never had one flee like this,” said DeGuerin.
Gilley was apprehended by Italian authorities upon arrival and has been in a jail in Turin since then. The U.S. government initially sought his extradition, but the Italian legal system blocked this attempt.
The Italian courts refuse to extradite if capital punishment is a potential sentence. In Texas, capital murder charges can result in either a death sentence or life without parole, posing an issue for Italy. Prosecutors from Harris County removed the death penalty option following demands from Italian judges.
DeGuerin noted, “Italy wants written guarantees that the death penalty won’t be pursued.” He added, “We held from the beginning that the death penalty wasn’t a likely outcome.”
Despite assurances, the Italian courts remain hesitant, fearing a judge might impose the death penalty. DeGuerin clarified, “In Texas, only a jury can impose the death penalty.”
Another complication arises as Italy might refuse extradition if life imprisonment without parole remains an option. The U.S. has until September 30 to address Italy’s concerns. A status conference is scheduled for October 7 to discuss Italy’s stance on extradition.
Throughout this process, DeGuerin maintained, “He is not guilty and did not kill his wife.”