Lee Gilley is accused of strangling his wife, Christa, in their Heights home in 2024, then fleeing to Italy.
HOUSTON — A Houston man accused of killing his pregnant wife and taking off to Italy is due back in court.
Lee Gilley‘s attorney told KHOU 11 that there was a hearing on Friday in Italy, but nothing significant was decided.
Monday’s hearing could determine whether Gilley is prosecuted in Italy or is returned to the U.S.
He is accused of killing his pregnant wife, Christa, in their Houston Heights home back in 2024.
We will provide an update after Monday’s hearing
Federal documents detail alleged flight to Italy
Federal court documents filed last week allege Gilley cut off his court-ordered GPS ankle monitor May 1 and fled the United States before arriving in Milan on an Air Canada flight. Authorities say he was traveling under the name “Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier.”
According to the affidavit, Italian border police determined the Belgian passport and identity documents he presented were fake and forged.
Authorities say Gilley later admitted his true identity while in immigration custody and acknowledged he was awaiting trial in the United States for the murder of his wife.
Gilley is now in custody in Italy and has reportedly claimed asylum there.
DeGuerin previously told KHOU 11 his client fled to Canada before flying to Italy.
Extradition questions remain
Gilley was due to stand trial May 29 on a capital murder charge tied to the death of Christa Gilley.
Because the case is eligible for the death penalty, extradition could become more complicated. Italy abolished the death penalty, and European extradition agreements can limit transfers in death penalty cases unless prosecutors agree not to seek execution.
Tom Hogan, a professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, told KHOU 11 extradition may still be possible depending on whether prosecutors pursue the death penalty.
“In this case, if it is capital murder and the DA’s office is not seeking the death penalty there may not be many impediments to extradite him to the U.S.”
Case stems from death in Houston Heights home
The case began Oct. 7, 2024, when Christa Gilley was found unresponsive at the couple’s home on Allston Street in Houston’s Heights neighborhood.
According to previous reporting, Lee Gilley called 911 that night and told dispatchers his pregnant wife was not responding.
Christa Gilley was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Harris County medical examiner later determined her cause of death was compression of the neck and upper back.
An arrest warrant charging Lee Gilley with capital murder was issued Oct. 11, 2024. He was released on bond six days later before authorities say he fled the country earlier this month.
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