Man accused of killing wife, unborn child to stay in custody overseas after fleeing to Italy: Media

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An Italian court has ruled that Lee Gilley, the Houston man accused of killing his pregnant wife two years ago, must remain in custody overseas until his extradition back to the United States, media officials confirm.

The video above is from a previous report.

According to the Italian news agency Ansa, Gilley will remain in Turin after his arrest overseas on May 4. Gilley's wife was found to have been strangled to death, according to the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office.

Gilley, who had been awaiting the murder trial, had been released on a $1 million bond and allegedly used fake travel documents and traveled through Canada before making his way to Europe. He was also accused of cutting off his ankle monitor given to him at the time of his release.

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He reportedly traveled under the name "Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier" and landed in Milan, Italy, on an Air Canada flight.

Gilley has been adamant in his innocence that he did not kill his wife and has requested asylum, citing his fear of facing the death penalty if he is convicted.

His family denied claims of helping him flee the country.

The judge in the case said the decision was based on Gilley being a "high-flight risk."