Lee Mongerson Gilley, a Texas man accused of the capital murder of his pregnant wife, has fled the United States after cutting off his GPS ankle monitor. According to his attorney, Dick DeGuerin, Gilley removed the device on Friday and subsequently traveled to Canada before flying to Italy, where he has since been detained.
DeGuerin told local news outlets that his client was not fleeing due to guilt, but out of fear. “It’s very concerning, and 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,” DeGuerin stated.
The Charges and Investigation
Gilley faces capital murder charges in connection with the death of Christa Bauer Gilley. Police allege that Gilley intentionally applied pressure to his wife’s neck and upper back, causing her death.
The incident occurred on October 7, 2024, when Bauer Gilley was found unresponsive. Gilley initially told Houston Police Department investigators that his wife had died from an overdose and that he had attempted life-saving measures. However, hospital staff noted significant bruising and facial trauma upon her arrival. An autopsy later determined the manner of death was homicide due to neck compression.
Following his arrest, Gilley was released on bond. He was scheduled to appear in court earlier this week but failed to show up. A bond violation report indicates that his GPS monitor sent a tamper alert on Friday night. Authorities attempted to contact him via phone to arrange an inspection of the device, but he did not respond. The monitor continued to send tamper alerts for several days without inspection.
Alleged Flight Plan
Court documents reviewed by KPRC 2 News, filed just weeks before his disappearance, allege that Gilley was in contact with a woman in California with whom he reportedly had an affair in 2023. Prosecutors claim the two individuals devised a detailed plan for Gilley to remove his GPS monitor and flee the United States together. The plan allegedly included marrying to obtain a new identity.
Detention in Italy and Asylum Claim
DeGuerin confirmed to KHOU that Gilley removed his ankle monitor before traveling to Canada and then Italy. Upon arrival in Milan, Italian officials expressed skepticism regarding his identification documents. Gilley eventually identified himself and requested asylum.
According to DeGuerin, Gilley claims he is being wrongfully prosecuted in the United States and fears facing the death penalty if extradited. For Gilley to be returned to Texas, U.S. prosecutors must certify to Italian authorities that he will not be subject to the death penalty.
It remains unclear when or if Gilley will be extradited back to the United States to face trial.
The flight underscores the complexities of international extradition, particularly when death penalty assurances are required. While the defense cites fear as the motive for leaving, prosecutors argue the act of removing monitoring equipment and fleeing the country suggests a consciousness of guilt.
