A Texas murder suspect fled to Italy seeking asylum after cutting off his ankle monitor, prompting efforts to return him to the US for trial.
A Texas man, Lee Mongerson Gilley, accused of killing his pregnant wife, has fled to Italy after cutting off his ankle monitor just before trial. Authorities say he travelled from Texas through Canada before being detained overseas.
Gilley, who is charged over the 2024 death of Christa Bauer Gilley, reportedly told officials he was seeking asylum, claiming he was being “wrongfully prosecuted” and feared facing the death penalty. His lawyer said, “I’m concerned that the prosecution will try to say that it’s evidence of consciousness of guilt… but I think he’s just scared.”
Prosecutors allege the victim, who was pregnant, died from strangulation following a dispute. US authorities are now working with Italian officials to secure his return for trial.
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