American May Return as Murder Charge Dropped in Pregnant Wife’s Death

Italy has approved the partial extradition of Texas murder suspect Lee Gilley following months of legal disputes involving U.S. courts, News Outlet has confirmed.

Gilley is accused of killing his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, and their unborn child in 2024. He was scheduled to stand trial in Harris County earlier this year, but allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and fled the United States. According to KPRC, he left his home by bicycle before boarding a private jet in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting authorities to suspect that others helped him escape the country.

In a motion obtained by News Outlet and translated into English, an Italian court approved extradition on a murder charge rather than a capital murder charge.

The ruling states that Italy’s approval is conditional on Gilley facing a reduced first-degree murder charge in connection with his wife’s death, and not prosecution for the death of their unborn child.

News Outlet previously reported that Italy had rejected requests to return Gilley to the United States because of concerns that he could face capital punishment—including the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole—if convicted.

Under the reduced charge, Gilley would face a potential sentence of five to 99 years in prison if convicted, according to Texas law.

However, the Italian court’s latest decision does not guarantee that Gilley will immediately return to the United States.

His defense attorney, Dick DeGeurin, told News Outlet that Gilley’s legal team will likely appeal the decision in the coming days.

An appeal could prolong the already lengthy process of bringing Gilley back to the United States to face the charges. His attorney did not provide a specific timeline for when Gilley might return to U.S. soil.