Italy agrees to extradite Texas man accused of killing pregnant wife

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 01:08 · Archive

Italy has agreed to extradite Lee Gilley to face charges over the death of his pregnant wife, on condition the capital murder charge is reduced.

Lee Gilley, a Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife Christa Bauer Gilley and their unborn child in 2024, will be extradited from Italy to face charges after Italian courts granted partial extradition. Gilley had been scheduled to face trial in Harris County but fled the United States after cutting off his ankle monitor. He left his home on a bicycle before boarding a private jet in Memphis, Tennessee, leading authorities to suspect he had outside help.

Italy's courts agreed to send Gilley back to the U.S. on condition that he face a reduced first-degree murder charge rather than capital murder. This change affects potential sentencing: under a reduced charge, if convicted, he could face 5 to 99 years in prison instead of the death penalty or life without parole that capital murder carries.

Italy had previously denied extradition requests because of concerns that Gilley would face capital murder charges. His defence attorney is expected to file an appeal against the partial extradition decision.

How it is being reported

• Italy agrees to send Texas man accused of killing pregnant wife back to U.S.A Texas man who was accused of killing his pregnant wife two years ago fled to Italy. Officials there have agreed to send him back to the U.S. to face charges on the condition that he faces a lesser charge, not capital murder. Skyler Henry reports.CBS News · 21 Oct, 00:44
• American who fled US after allegedly killing pregnant wife could return within days with murder charge droppedItaly granted Lee Gilley partial extradition on a reduced first-degree murder charge, but his defense attorney says an appeal is likely coming.Fox News · 20 Oct, 14:52

In this story: Lee Gilley · Christa Bauer Gilley · Italy · Texas · Harris County · Memphis, Tennessee

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