A Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife cut off his ankle monitor and fled the country ahead of his trial, his lawyer confirmed. Lee Mongerson Gilley, 39, was charged with capital murder in the death of Christa Bauer Gilley in October 2024.
Details of the Case
According to a probable cause document, Gilley is accused of intentionally applying pressure to his wife's neck and upper back. Christa Bauer Gilley was found unresponsive at home on October 7, 2024. Gilley initially told police she died from an overdose and that he attempted life-saving measures. However, hospital staff noticed bruising and trauma to her face. An autopsy determined the cause of death was homicide due to neck compression.
Violation of Bond Conditions
Gilley was granted bond after his arrest but failed to appear in court this week. A bond condition violation report indicates his GPS monitor sent a tamper alert on Friday night. When authorities called his phone to arrange an inspection, no one responded. The monitor continued to send tamper alerts for days. Court documents filed weeks before his escape alleged Gilley was in contact with a woman in California, with whom he reportedly had an affair in 2023, and they planned to flee the U.S. together. Prosecutors claim the two provided a detailed plan for removing his GPS monitor and marrying to obtain a new identity.
Flight and Detention in Italy
Gilley's attorney, Dick DeGuerin, told local news station KHOU that his client removed his ankle monitor before fleeing to Canada and then flying to Italy, where he was detained. Officials in Milan did not believe his identification, and Gilley eventually identified himself and requested asylum. DeGuerin stated that Gilley claimed he was wrongfully prosecuted and feared the death penalty if returned to the U.S.
It remains unclear when or if Gilley will be extradited. DeGuerin noted that Texas prosecutors must certify to Italian officials that Gilley is not subject to the death penalty.
