Texas Rules Out Death Penalty for Murder Suspect Who Fled

Texas prosecutors say capital punishment is off the table as a potential sentence for a man accused of killing his pregnant wife and then vanishing to Italy—clearing a major hurdle to getting him back to the US. Harris County prosecutors told an Italian court they will not seek the death penalty for 39-year-old Lee Gilley, charged with capital murder in the October 2024 death of his wife, Christa, who was nine weeks pregnant, reports Fox News. Gilley, who was on bail when he allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and flew to Italy under a false name, requested asylum in the country, citing the possibility of a death sentence.

Italy, which bans execution, reportedly wanted assurances that Gilley wouldn't face death in Texas before considering extradition. Gilley's US attorney said an Italian court might also request a guarantee against life without parole, which prosecutors did not provide. However, they did note that Gilley "would be eligible for commutation consideration" should he be sentenced as such. District Attorney Sean Teare said Gilley had falsely insisted there would be no avenue to reduce his punishment in such a case, per the Houston Chronicle. Another extradition hearing is set for Oct. 7 in Turin. Gilley has pleaded not guilty to murder, arguing marks on his wife's neck were from resuscitation efforts following an overdose, not strangulation, per KPRC.