Lee Mongerson Gilley, a 39-year-old Houston software engineer, remains a fugitive after fleeing the U.S. for Italy in May 2026. He faces a capital murder charge in the October 2024 death of his pregnant wife, Christa Gilley, following a custody battle over their three children. Gilley, free on a $1 million bond, removed his ankle monitor and left for Italy, where he seeks asylum. His older brother, Matt Gilley, denied assisting his escape during a Harris County custody hearing, though authorities are investigating potential family involvement. The trial, scheduled for June 5, is now uncertain due to Gilley’s absence. A family court ruled to return Gilley’s children to Texas, rejecting requests to suspend their visit with relatives in North Carolina. No charges have been filed against Matt Gilley, who hired a Houston attorney. Contact: Harris County authorities are investigating; details remain under court seal.