As Houston, Texas accused murderer Lee Gilley awaits word on his fate after fleeing to Milan, Italy, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are on the case. Will Italy grant him asylum, or treat him as a criminal to be extradited back to the United States?
New details have emerged about Lee’s plan to escape his Houston trial for allegedly killing his wife, Christa Bauer Gilley, and their unborn child in October 2024. Lee’s brother, Matt Gilley, testified that he didn’t help Lee flee on May 1, but said Lee looked different at their mother’s deathbed in April — heavier, bearded, with long hair.
Matt’s Zoom testimony came in an emergency custody hearing for Lee and Christa’s two young children. Christa’s family fears Lee’s relatives will take the kids to Europe, yet a Harris County judge ordered the children returned to Texas.
Meanwhile, two of Lee’s attorneys move to withdraw and we dig into the 1983 US–Italy Extradition Treaty while Lee’s Italian attorney Monica Grosso says that Lee is exhausted from all his recent travels.
We’re exhausted too, but Let’s Dive in… 🥽 🦈
Join the LUNASHARK Premium Community – Together we go further ☀️
Listen to Reset Stories from Marta Mondelli
Christa’s Family GoFundMe
Ambassador Fertitta’s US Mission in Italy
Episode Links
See the incredible support of Mandy on May 15 🩷
Governor Abbott Signs Damon Allen Act Into Law At Safer Houston Summit – Sept 13, 2021 📰
“Sealed records signal possible shakeup for accused killer Lee Gilley’s defense team as extradition decision looms” – Click2Houston, May 13, 2026 📰
“Why Lawyer for Texas Man Accused of Strangling Pregnant Wife Insists She Died from Something Else (Exclusive)” – People, May 7, 2026 📰
“Authorities question family of Houston fugitive Lee Gilley after he fled U.S. to seek asylum in Italy” – Houston Chronicle, May 14, 2026 📰
Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight…☀️
Learn more about LUNASHARK Premium Membership at lunashark.supercast.com to get bonus episodes like our Premium Dives, Wherever It Leads…, Girl Talk, and Soundbites that help you Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight. Plus BTS content from Murdaugh: Death in the Family AND Mandy’s book Blood On Their Hands.
Support Our Show, Sponsors and Mission: https://lunasharkmedia.com/support/
Quince – Hungry Root – Bombas
https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn
*** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we’ll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! ***
For current & accurate updates:
lunashark.supercast.com
Instagram.com/mandy_matney | Instagram.com/elizfarrell
bsky.app/profile/mandy-matney.com | bsky.app/profile/elizfarrell.com
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices