Texas Prosecutors Drop Death Penalty for 39-Year-Old Lee Gilley as Italy Weighs Extradition
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 22
Texas Prosecutors Drop Death Penalty for 39-Year-Old Lee Gilley as Italy Weighs Extradition
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 22
Summary
Harris County prosecutors told an Italian court they will not seek the death penalty against Lee Gilley, a move aimed at clearing the way for his return to Texas.
Italy had sought a written guarantee because Gilley, 39, fled there after allegedly removing his ankle monitor on May 1 and traveling under a fake name with forged documents.
The filing says Gilley falsely claimed he still faced execution and argues even a life-without-parole sentence could later be considered for commutation.
Gilley has pleaded not guilty to capital murder in the October 2024 death of his wife, Christa, whose death the medical examiner ruled a homicide caused by neck compression.
The Turin Court of Appeal had already delayed or blocked extradition, and another hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7 as Italy considers whether the new assurance is sufficient.