A Texas man accused of murdering his pregnant wife allegedly removed his court-ordered ankle monitor, fled the country, and attempted to enter Italy with forged travel documents just weeks before his trial, authorities said.
Flight and Capture
Lee Gilley, 39, was scheduled to stand trial later this month on a capital murder charge in the death of his wife, Christa Gilley, who was found dead in their Houston home in October 2024. According to a federal affidavit, Gilley removed his GPS monitor last Friday, alerting officials, and then traveled through Canada before boarding a flight to Italy. Upon arrival in Milan, he presented forged Belgian travel documents bearing the name “Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier.” Italian customs officers identified the documents as fraudulent and denied him entry, placing him into immigration custody.
Admission and Asylum Request
While in custody, Gilley admitted his true identity and acknowledged he was awaiting prosecution in Texas. Italian authorities said Gilley has since requested asylum, claiming he is being wrongfully prosecuted and could face the death penalty if returned to the United States. His attorney, Dick DeGuerin, told KPRC 2 News that his client fled because he was frightened. “It’s very concerning,” DeGuerin said. “I’m concerned that the prosecution will try to say that it’s evidence of consciousness of guilt that he’s running from it, but I think he’s just scared.”
The Murder Case
Houston police responded to the couple’s home on October 7, 2024, after Gilley called 911 reporting that his wife had suffered an overdose. Christa Gilley was found unresponsive and later died at a hospital. An autopsy revealed she died due to compression of the neck, consistent with strangulation. She was nine weeks pregnant at the time. The couple’s two young children were at home during the incident.
Gilley was arrested days later and charged with capital murder. He was released on bond under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and remaining in Texas. After his wife’s death, the children stayed with Christa’s parents.
Extradition Process
DeGuerin noted that Texas authorities may need to certify that Gilley will not face the death penalty before Italy agrees to extradite him. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed they are coordinating with Italian authorities to secure his return. Gilley now also faces a federal charge of interstate flight to avoid prosecution.
