Texas criminal attorney Dick DeGuerin has a long career spanning six decades. He currently represents Lee Gilley, a 39-year-old Houston resident. Gilley stands accused of murdering his pregnant wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, who was 38 at the time, in their home in October 2024.
Prosecutors claim that Gilley killed Christa, who was nine months pregnant, in Houston in 2024. Prior to his trial, investigators reported that Gilley removed his ankle monitor and fled the U.S. to Italy in May.
According to DeGuerin, “I’ve been a criminal defense lawyer for 60 years and in that time, my clients skipping bond has been infrequent. I’ve never seen a case like this.” Italian authorities detained Gilley upon his arrival, and he remains in a jail cell in Turin.
Initially, the U.S. government attempted to extradite Gilley to face charges. However, Italian courts stopped the process, citing the potential death penalty. DeGuerin explained, “Italian courts do not extradite if the death penalty is a possibility. In Texas, capital murder can result in death or life without parole.” On September 18, Harris County prosecutors agreed to drop the death penalty after Italian judges required written guarantees.
Defense attorney Ed McClees and Gilley were seen in the 497th District Court at the Harris County Justice Center. Gilley faces charges of capital murder in his wife’s death.
DeGuerin mentioned, “Italy has asked for full assurance that the death penalty is off the table.” They always believed the death penalty was not in consideration, but Italy insisted.
Further concerns arose as Italian courts questioned if a judge could potentially override assurances and enforce the death penalty. DeGuerin clarified, “Only a jury can impose that.” Italy remains cautious about the likelihood of Gilley receiving a life sentence without parole, complicating the extradition.
The U.S. aims to address Italy’s clarification request by September 30. A status conference follows on October 7 to evaluate Italy’s stance on extradition.
DeGuerin stated their consistent stance that Gilley is not guilty of the murder charges. As of now, Gilley prepares for the upcoming status conference.