Lee Gilley's parents demand extradition from Italy for Texas murder case

The parents of Christa Bauer Gilley, a 38-year-old Texas mother who was murdered while nine weeks pregnant in October 2024, are publicly calling for the extradition of her husband, Lee Mongerson Gilley.

Prosecutors allege that Lee Gilley is responsible for the deaths of his wife and their unborn child in Houston. Investigators report that the suspect removed his ankle monitor and fled to Italy in May, shortly before his trial was scheduled to begin. While the extradition process continues, Texas prosecutors have reportedly removed the death penalty from the table for the capital murder case.

Lee Gilley’s attorney, Dick DeGuerin, noted that his client's flight from the United States could complicate the defense, as flight can be used as evidence of consciousness of guilt. The victim's parents, Ed and Sharon Bauer, expressed their desire for accountability in an op-ed, stating they have been waiting for developments regarding Gilley's return to face justice.