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Italian Court Temporarily Blocks Extradition of Lee Gilley Over Death‑Penalty Assurances

Italian judges are seeking legally binding guarantees that Gilley will not face the death penalty before they allow his return to Texas.

Overview

  • The Court of Appeal in Turin has paused the U.S. extradition request and asked the U.S. to answer specific questions by Aug. 31, with a follow-up hearing set for early September.
  • Italian judges want formal, enforceable assurances that the death penalty will not be imposed and clarification about whether lesser charges or parole options could apply if Gilley is convicted.
  • U.S. filings say Harris County prosecutors have not sought the death penalty in their sworn declaration, but they also have not filed a formal written waiver and an internal prosecutor email raised doubts for Italian judges.
  • Federal investigators say Gilley cut off his ankle monitor in May, used forged travel documents and a false name to travel to Canada and Italy, and was arrested at Milan Malpensa Airport; he remains in Italian custody contesting extradition.
  • A separate local probe continues after a disputed attempt to claim the vacant Gilley home in Houston prompted police response and a criminal investigation by Harris County Precinct 1.