An Italian court has temporarily blocked the extradition of an American man accused of murdering his pregnant wife to Texas, demanding assurances that he will not face the death penalty.
Lee Mongerson Gilley, 39, is charged with capital murder in the death of his wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, who was eight weeks pregnant when she died on October 7, 2024, in their Houston home. Gilley has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege Gilley fled to Italy on a forged passport in May, shortly before he was scheduled to stand trial. He was arrested in Milan on May 3 and subsequently sought asylum to avoid the death penalty.
Italy, which abolished capital punishment in 1994, is prohibited by European Union law from extraditing individuals to countries where they might face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. Texas is one of 27 U.S. states that still practice capital punishment.
Gilley's defense attorney, Dick DeGuerin, stated that while the district attorney's office has indicated it would not seek the death penalty, this has not been formally filed. Italian courts require such formal documentation, which U.S. officials must provide by August 31. Gilley's next extradition hearing is set for September 7.
Gilley maintains his innocence, claiming his wife died from a pre-existing medical condition. However, the Harris County coroner ruled her death a homicide caused by neck compression.
According to charging documents, Gilley called 911 on October 7, 2024, reporting that his wife had attempted suicide by overdose and that he was performing CPR. Christa was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Doctors noted injuries inconsistent with a suicide attempt.
Gilley allegedly admitted to police that his wife was not suicidal and that the couple had been arguing prior to her death. He is also suspected of discussing travel to Mexico or another country with an unidentified woman and making plans to remove his ankle monitor and obtain a new identity through a foreign marriage.
Gilley was charged with capital murder in 2025 and was released on bond with conditions including wearing an ankle monitor, surrendering his passport, and requiring travel permission. On May 1, 2026, he allegedly left the United States using forged Belgian passports and a false name, traveling through Canada before his arrest in Milan.
Meanwhile, the couple's former $1 million Houston residence has become the subject of a separate criminal investigation. On May 21, a company called Save A Life Homes LLC filed a deed claiming ownership of the property through adverse possession, just one week after Gilley fled to Italy. Houston police are investigating the alleged trespassing incident that brought the matter to their attention on June 17. Matthew Jackson, an authorized representative of Save A Life Homes LLC, signed the deed. The Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office has opened a criminal investigation into this attempted property takeover. Save A Life Homes LLC has reportedly filed at least nine other controversial property deeds.