Lee Gilley, a Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife in 2024 before fleeing the country, is expected in court Monday.
According to KHOU 11, Gilley, 39, is set to appear in Turin Court of Appeal in Italy, to determine whether he will face charges in Italy or face extradition back to Texas.
He’s accused of killing his wife, Christa, on October 7, 2024, at their home in Houston Heights, off Allston Street.
She was eight weeks pregnant at the time of her death, according to the Houston Police Department.
Gilley allegedly stated that Christa had purposely overdosed, taking her own life. A medical examiner’s reporter, however, indicated that Christa’s death had been caused by strangulation.
Court documents stated that the defendant caused the death by applying pressure to Christa’s upper neck and back. She also had “bruising and apparent trauma to her face,” according to Houston police.
Police subsequently arrested Gilley in October 2024 on capital murder charges. A judge released him on a $1 million bond, with requirements that he surrender his passport and wear a GPS ankle monitor.
Federal court documents filed last week stated that on May 1, 2026, officials reported that there had been a “strap tamper” to Gilley’s ankle monitor. Investigators arrived at his home but he had already fled.
Court records stated that he then used the name “Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier” to board an Air Canada flight to Italy.
After arriving in Italy, he allegedly presented false documentation to Milan Border Police. On May 4, 2026, police took Gilley into custody at the Milan Malpensa Airport.
While in immigration custody, Gilley allegedly admitted his true identity. He’s now accused of interstate flight to avoid prosecution.
Extradition could be significantly delayed, since Gilley is potentially facing death. Italy has the legal right to invoke non-extradition protocols, should prosecutors push for capital punishment in the case.
Defense attorney Dick DeGuerin reportedly said that prior to extradition proceedings beginning, Italian officials may need assurance that the death penalty is off the table.
So far, Harris County prosecutors have not publicly stated whether they plan to seek to the death penalty.
If he’s not extradited in a timely manner, his trial, scheduled for later in May, could be deferred.
Gilley remains in solitary confinement Lorusso e Cutugno prison in Turin, according to Click2Houston. He has claimed asylum.
A gag order has been issued in the case. Check back for updates.
[Featured image: Christa Gilley/Handout]
