Texas Man Accused of Murder Fled to Italy, Now Held

**Body:**

Lee Gilley, 39, a Texas man charged with capital murder in the death of his pregnant wife, Christy Gilley, has fled to Italy and is currently in custody there. Gilley, who had been out on bond awaiting trial, cut off his ankle monitor before leaving Texas. His attorney, Dick DeGuerin, confirmed that Gilley traveled through Canada before arriving in Italy. Upon landing, Italian officials detained him after questioning his identification.

Prosecutors must first certify whether they are seeking the death penalty against Gilley before extradition proceedings can begin. If granted, Gilley will be returned to Harris County, Texas, to face trial for the capital murder of his wife, who was nine weeks pregnant at the time of her death in October 2024. A judge revoked Gilley’s bond on Monday after his flight.

The case gained attention when Gilley initially claimed that his wife had committed suicide by overdosing on drugs. However, authorities later determined that Christy Gilley was not a drug user and had been strangled to death. Court documents allege that Gilley caused her death by applying pressure to her neck and upper back, intentionally causing the death of both her and their unborn child.

Lee Gilley, a self-employed software consultant before his arrest, is being held in Italy pending further legal proceedings. The couple shared two young children. Authorities are working with U.S. and Italian officials to secure his return to face justice.