HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Harris County murder suspect accused in the death of his pregnant wife remains in Italy after an Italian court temporarily halted his extradition to the United States, citing questions about the sentence he could face, his attorney said.
Lee Gilley has been charged with murder in connection with the 2024 death of his wife, Christa Bauer.
Bauer was discovered dead inside a home after Gilley called 911, telling dispatchers he had found his wife unresponsive in bed and attempted to perform CPR.
She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Doctors later determined that the trauma to her face and body did not match injuries typically associated with CPR. Bauer reportedly had bruising and apparent facial trauma.
According to court documents, both a doctor and the medical examiner found that her injuries were consistent with strangulation. Prosecutors said Bauer was eight weeks pregnant when she was killed.
Authorities also said two children were inside the home at the time.
Prosecutors allege Gilley fled to Italy in May, just weeks before his scheduled June trial, after cutting off a court-ordered ankle monitor and using forged travel documents while released on a $1 million bond.
Defense attorney Dick DeGuerin said Italian courts are requesting a formal guarantee that Gilley would not be subject to the death penalty if he is extradited to Texas.
“When we spoke, the district attorney’s office said it would not seek the death penalty, but it has not filed that formally,” DeGuerin said. “That’s what the Italian courts are looking for.”
DeGuerin said Italy temporarily blocked the extradition request because the country’s legal system does not allow the death penalty or life without parole. He said Italian authorities want confirmation that Gilley could receive a sentence less than life without parole if convicted.
The attorney described the situation as unprecedented in his decades of practicing law.
“I’ve had cases where people have jumped bond, but nothing like this,” DeGuerin said.
DeGuerin said communication with Gilley has been limited since his arrest in Italy. He also said the delay has complicated preparations for trial.
“It’s frustrating. I’m a trial lawyer. I’m ready to go to trial, but this certainly complicates the trial,” he said.
Gilley has pleaded not guilty. DeGuerin said his client maintains his innocence and contends Bauer died from a pre-existing medical condition. The attorney declined to provide additional details, citing a gag order in the case.
According to DeGuerin, U.S. officials have until Aug. 31 to submit the requested documentation to Italian authorities. The next extradition hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7.
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