What Happened to Christa Gilley Behind Closed Doors?

What was supposed to be a Texas murder What was supposed to be a Texas murder trial happening as we speak has spiraled trial happening as we speak has spiraled trial happening as we speak has spiraled completely out of control. completely out of control. completely out of control. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> At the center of it all is a husband >> At the center of it all is a husband >> At the center of it all is a husband accused of killing his wife, the mother accused of killing his wife, the mother accused of killing his wife, the mother of his young children. And I wish I of his young children. And I wish I of his young children. And I wish I could tell you this latest twist in the could tell you this latest twist in the could tell you this latest twist in the [music] case was something no one saw [music] case was something no one saw [music] case was something no one saw coming, but what has prosecutors so coming, but what has prosecutors so coming, but what has prosecutors so frustrated is so many people did see it frustrated is so many people did see it frustrated is so many people did see it coming. We're talking major cracks in coming. We're talking major cracks in coming. We're talking major cracks in the system that the public needs to know the system that the public needs to know the system that the public needs to know about. [music] So, let me bring you up about. [music] So, let me bring you up about. [music] So, let me bring you up to speed on the Texas case that's now to speed on the Texas case that's now to speed on the Texas case that's now gone international. Crime Junkies, I'm gone international. Crime Junkies, I'm gone international. Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Whitney and this is the story of Brianna Whitney and this is the story of Brianna Whitney and this is the story of Krista Gilly. To people who saw Krista Gilly in 2024, To people who saw Krista Gilly in 2024, [music] it seemed like she had it all. [music] it seemed like she had it all. [music] it seemed like she had it all. And in a lot of ways, she did. She had And in a lot of ways, she did. She had And in a lot of ways, she did. She had the family and the career. A highly the family and the career. A highly the family and the career. A highly respected physical therapist, a wife, a respected physical therapist, a wife, a respected physical therapist, a wife, a mom of two living in Houston, Texas. mom of two living in Houston, Texas. mom of two living in Houston, Texas. One of her longtime childhood friends, One of her longtime childhood friends, One of her longtime childhood friends, Cara Kelly, told me Krista was one of Cara Kelly, told me Krista was one of Cara Kelly, told me Krista was one of those people that could do just those people that could do just those people that could do just everything really well. And that only everything really well. And that only everything really well. And that only got more evident the older she got. Like got more evident the older she got. Like got more evident the older she got. Like having the energy to keep up with her having the energy to keep up with her having the energy to keep up with her very young kids and excelling back at very young kids and excelling back at very young kids and excelling back at work as a physical therapist and work as a physical therapist and work as a physical therapist and teaching college kids as an adjunct teaching college kids as an adjunct teaching college kids as an adjunct professor all simultaneously.

professor all simultaneously. professor all simultaneously. She was also known to have a ton of She was also known to have a ton of She was also known to have a ton of friends in different circles all over friends in different circles all over friends in different circles all over the country. She really valued her the country. She really valued her the country. She really valued her friendships. friendships. friendships. So, when Krista was killed in October of So, when Krista was killed in October of So, when Krista was killed in October of 2024, it shook her core high school 2024, it shook her core high school 2024, it shook her core high school friends from South Carolina tremendously friends from South Carolina tremendously friends from South Carolina tremendously because they not only had known her for because they not only had known her for because they not only had known her for decades, but they had all just been decades, but they had all just been decades, but they had all just been together for their 20-year high school together for their 20-year high school together for their 20-year high school reunion a couple months prior. One of reunion a couple months prior. One of reunion a couple months prior. One of those friends, Cara Kelly, [music] told those friends, Cara Kelly, [music] told those friends, Cara Kelly, [music] told me she found out through text message me she found out through text message me she found out through text message and at the time she couldn't even and at the time she couldn't even and at the time she couldn't even comprehend what she was reading. comprehend what she was reading. comprehend what she was reading. There weren't many details that There weren't many details that There weren't many details that accompanied the text, just that Krista accompanied the text, just that Krista accompanied the text, just that Krista was dead. So, she began Googling looking was dead. So, she began Googling looking was dead. So, she began Googling looking for answers And that's when she found for answers And that's when she found for answers And that's when she found the press release from Houston police the press release from Houston police the press release from Houston police confirming not just that Krista had confirming not just that Krista had confirming not just that Krista had died, but that she'd been murdered. And died, but that she'd been murdered. And died, but that she'd been murdered. And her husband, Lee Gily, was under arrest. her husband, Lee Gily, was under arrest. her husband, Lee Gily, was under arrest. Now, Cara will be the first to admit Lee Now, Cara will be the first to admit Lee Now, Cara will be the first to admit Lee and Krista's marriage was not perfect. and Krista's marriage was not perfect. and Krista's marriage was not perfect. [music] She knew there were some issues, [music] She knew there were some issues, [music] She knew there were some issues, even possible infidelity in the past. even possible infidelity in the past. even possible infidelity in the past. But never in a million years did she But never in a million years did she But never in a million years did she think Lee would be accused of killing think Lee would be accused of killing think Lee would be accused of killing [music] Krista.

[music] Krista. [music] Krista. But she wasn't the only one confused. No But she wasn't the only one confused. No But she wasn't the only one confused. No one had the answer she was looking for one had the answer she was looking for one had the answer she was looking for as to what happened or what led up to as to what happened or what led up to as to what happened or what led up to it. So, Cara and all of Krista's friends it. So, Cara and all of Krista's friends it. So, Cara and all of Krista's friends had to wait for the slow drip of had to wait for the slow drip of had to wait for the slow drip of information through court docs to learn information through court docs to learn information through court docs to learn what [music] police uncovered. Which is what [music] police uncovered. Which is what [music] police uncovered. Which is this. this. this. Police and EMTs responded to the Gily Police and EMTs responded to the Gily Police and EMTs responded to the Gily home and took Krista to the hospital home and took Krista to the hospital home and took Krista to the hospital after a 911 call from Lee that came just after a 911 call from Lee that came just after a 911 call from Lee that came just before midnight on October 7th, 2024. before midnight on October 7th, 2024. before midnight on October 7th, 2024. Now, Lee told officers earlier that Now, Lee told officers earlier that Now, Lee told officers earlier that night they'd gotten [music] in an night they'd gotten [music] in an night they'd gotten [music] in an argument. So, Krista went to bed, he argument. So, Krista went to bed, he argument. So, Krista went to bed, he stayed up, and when he went to their stayed up, and when he went to their stayed up, and when he went to their room 3 hours later, he claimed [music] room 3 hours later, he claimed [music] room 3 hours later, he claimed [music] he found her unconscious and that's when he found her unconscious and that's when he found her unconscious and that's when he called 911. he called 911. he called 911. He told police this was an overdose or a He told police this was an overdose or a He told police this was an overdose or a suicide. But in the same breath, he said suicide. But in the same breath, he said suicide. But in the same breath, he said his wife was not a drug user, had not his wife was not a drug user, had not his wife was not a drug user, had not been suicidal, and this all unfolded been suicidal, and this all unfolded been suicidal, and this all unfolded when their kids were home. Now, Cara when their kids were home. Now, Cara when their kids were home. Now, Cara told me she didn't for 1 second buy this told me she didn't for 1 second buy this told me she didn't for 1 second buy this overdose explanation from Lee. Her and overdose explanation from Lee. Her and overdose explanation from Lee. Her and all Krista's friends clocked this as a all Krista's friends clocked this as a all Krista's friends clocked this as a lie from the get-go. [music] So, they lie from the get-go. [music] So, they lie from the get-go. [music] So, they were 0% surprised to find out she had no were 0% surprised to find out she had no were 0% surprised to find out she had no drugs in her system.

drugs in her system. drugs in her system. The autopsy results showed she died from The autopsy results showed she died from The autopsy results showed she died from injuries consistent with strangulation, injuries consistent with strangulation, injuries consistent with strangulation, specifically compression of her neck and specifically compression of her neck and specifically compression of her neck and upper back. And we know, because he told upper back. And we know, because he told upper back. And we know, because he told police himself, the only person home at police himself, the only person home at police himself, the only person home at the time with her, besides her two young the time with her, besides her two young the time with her, besides her two young kids, was her husband, [music] Lee. kids, was her husband, [music] Lee. kids, was her husband, [music] Lee. You can see why it only took police 3 You can see why it only took police 3 You can see why it only took police 3 days to issue a warrant for his arrest days to issue a warrant for his arrest days to issue a warrant for his arrest and take him [music] into custody. and take him [music] into custody. and take him [music] into custody. But this is where devastation becomes But this is where devastation becomes But this is where devastation becomes even heavier for everyone who loved even heavier for everyone who loved even heavier for everyone who loved Krista. Lee isn't just charged with Krista. Lee isn't just charged with Krista. Lee isn't just charged with [music] murder. He's charged with [music] murder. He's charged with [music] murder. He's charged with capital murder. capital murder. capital murder. In Texas, that means there are In Texas, that means there are In Texas, that means there are aggravating circumstances. Now, aggravating circumstances. Now, aggravating circumstances. Now, obviously all murders are horrific, but obviously all murders are horrific, but obviously all murders are horrific, but there are some that have aspects so there are some that have aspects so there are some that have aspects so cruel, so heinous that the state cruel, so heinous that the state cruel, so heinous that the state believes they warrant charges and believes they warrant charges and believes they warrant charges and consequences with a [music] step up in consequences with a [music] step up in consequences with a [music] step up in severity to capital murder. That means severity to capital murder. That means severity to capital murder. That means either death penalty or life in prison either death penalty or life in prison either death penalty or life in prison with no chance of parole. with no chance of parole. with no chance of parole. Examples of this. It's a murder for hire Examples of this. It's a murder for hire Examples of this. It's a murder for hire plot, the victim is a child, things like plot, the victim is a child, things like plot, the victim is a child, things like [music] that.

[music] that. [music] that. In this case, Krista's loved ones learn In this case, Krista's loved ones learn In this case, Krista's loved ones learn that there were multiple lives lost that there were multiple lives lost that there were multiple lives lost because because because >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Krista was 9 weeks pregnant. Her death >> Krista was 9 weeks pregnant. Her death >> Krista was 9 weeks pregnant. Her death also took the life of what would have also took the life of what would have also took the life of what would have been her and Lee's third child together. been her and Lee's third child together. been her and Lee's third child together. Now, most of Krista's friends didn't Now, most of Krista's friends didn't Now, most of Krista's friends didn't know she was pregnant yet because it was know she was pregnant yet because it was know she was pregnant yet because it was so early. so early. so early. So when they heard this detail, So when they heard this detail, So when they heard this detail, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> devastation turned to all-consuming >> devastation turned to all-consuming >> devastation turned to all-consuming anger. anger. anger. This news of her friend's [music] This news of her friend's [music] This news of her friend's [music] pregnancy didn't come through a text or pregnancy didn't come through a text or pregnancy didn't come through a text or an Instagram post. This came in the an Instagram post. This came in the an Instagram post. This came in the medical report, and Cara said it hit her medical report, and Cara said it hit her medical report, and Cara said it hit her like a ton of bricks all at once. She like a ton of bricks all at once. She like a ton of bricks all at once. She described it to me as watching moments, described it to me as watching moments, described it to me as watching moments, thoughts, pictures, memories flash in thoughts, pictures, memories flash in thoughts, pictures, memories flash in front of her face all at once. The good front of her face all at once. The good front of her face all at once. The good ones with her friend mixed with these ones with her friend mixed with these ones with her friend mixed with these vivid flashbacks she was getting of vivid flashbacks she was getting of vivid flashbacks she was getting of things that Krista had told her things that Krista had told her things that Krista had told her concerning things about infidelity concerning things about infidelity concerning things about infidelity >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and disturbing comments Lee had made. >> and disturbing comments Lee had made. >> and disturbing comments Lee had made. But Cara never thought that would turn But Cara never thought that would turn But Cara never thought that would turn into [music] this, especially given how into [music] this, especially given how into [music] this, especially given how their love story unfolded because Lee their love story unfolded because Lee their love story unfolded because Lee really wanted to make things work with really wanted to make things work with really wanted to make things work with Krista. Cara had told me Krista had gone Krista. Cara had told me Krista had gone Krista. Cara had told me Krista had gone off to Clemson University for college off to Clemson University for college off to Clemson University for college after high school, and it is not an after high school, and it is not an after high school, and it is not an exaggeration to say Clemson became a exaggeration to say Clemson became a exaggeration to say Clemson became a part of her personality. Cara said part of her personality. Cara said part of her personality. Cara said Krista is a huge Clemson fan, like Krista is a huge Clemson fan, like Krista is a huge Clemson fan, like next-level fan. She was even a part of next-level fan. She was even a part of next-level fan. She was even a part of alumni groups in Texas right before her alumni groups in Texas right before her alumni groups in Texas right before her death. But two big things would happen death. But two big things would happen death. But two big things would happen at Clemson that would change the at Clemson that would change the at Clemson that would change the trajectory of Krista's life. One, trajectory of Krista's life. One, trajectory of Krista's life. One, choosing to pursue a career in physical choosing to pursue a career in physical choosing to pursue a career in physical therapy, [music] and two, one of the therapy, [music] and two, one of the therapy, [music] and two, one of the very last date she went on with a boy

very last date she went on with a boy very last date she went on with a boy before grad school. Now, dating in before grad school. Now, dating in before grad school. Now, dating in college, that's always a loose term college, that's always a loose term college, that's always a loose term because it can often be so casual. And because it can often be so casual. And because it can often be so casual. And in this case, Krista met up with a guy in this case, Krista met up with a guy in this case, Krista met up with a guy named Lee Gilley. It was fun, but Krista named Lee Gilley. It was fun, but Krista named Lee Gilley. It was fun, but Krista was focused on physical therapy and was focused on physical therapy and was focused on physical therapy and heading to grad school. So, that was it. heading to grad school. So, that was it. heading to grad school. So, that was it. Just one date. Just one date. Just one date. For now. Cara told me Krista ended up For now. Cara told me Krista ended up For now. Cara told me Krista ended up traveling all over the country doing traveling all over the country doing traveling all over the country doing physical therapy until she finally physical therapy until she finally physical therapy until she finally decided to put down roots in Houston decided to put down roots in Houston decided to put down roots in Houston since their hospitals and medical since their hospitals and medical since their hospitals and medical centers there are just so top-notch. And centers there are just so top-notch. And centers there are just so top-notch. And as it goes, Krista was thriving, single, as it goes, Krista was thriving, single, as it goes, Krista was thriving, single, and unexpectedly reconnects with that and unexpectedly reconnects with that and unexpectedly reconnects with that one guy she went on a date with back in one guy she went on a date with back in one guy she went on a date with back in college, Lee. college, Lee. college, Lee. He doesn't live in Texas though. He was He doesn't live in Texas though. He was He doesn't live in Texas though. He was out in San Diego. But the two start out in San Diego. But the two start out in San Diego. But the two start dating long distance anyway. dating long distance anyway. dating long distance anyway. And we all know how long distance goes, And we all know how long distance goes, And we all know how long distance goes, right? It's fine until it isn't. So, right? It's fine until it isn't. So, right? It's fine until it isn't. So, Krista's friends are thinking at some Krista's friends are thinking at some Krista's friends are thinking at some point, as these months go by, one of point, as these months go by, one of point, as these months go by, one of them is going to have to move, right? them is going to have to move, right? them is going to have to move, right? But before anyone got word of a move, But before anyone got word of a move, But before anyone got word of a move, they got another big announcement.

they got another big announcement. they got another big announcement. Krista and Lee were engaged. Now, this Krista and Lee were engaged. Now, this Krista and Lee were engaged. Now, this was semi-shocking because Cara said was semi-shocking because Cara said was semi-shocking because Cara said they'd been dating less than a year, and they'd been dating less than a year, and they'd been dating less than a year, and their friends in South Carolina had their friends in South Carolina had their friends in South Carolina had barely knew Lee at all. Like he hadn't barely knew Lee at all. Like he hadn't barely knew Lee at all. Like he hadn't really spent any time with them. So, at really spent any time with them. So, at really spent any time with them. So, at this point, they were just hoping their this point, they were just hoping their this point, they were just hoping their friend was marrying a good guy and chose friend was marrying a good guy and chose friend was marrying a good guy and chose to be supportive. Not the best feeling, to be supportive. Not the best feeling, to be supportive. Not the best feeling, but it was what it was. but it was what it was. but it was what it was. They leaned into what they knew about They leaned into what they knew about They leaned into what they knew about Krista, her absolute [music] desire to Krista, her absolute [music] desire to Krista, her absolute [music] desire to be a wife and a mom. She came from a be a wife and a mom. She came from a be a wife and a mom. She came from a family of four girls. She was the eldest family of four girls. She was the eldest family of four girls. She was the eldest daughter, and she wanted to have a big daughter, and she wanted to have a big daughter, and she wanted to have a big family, too. So, if Lee was a part of family, too. So, if Lee was a part of family, too. So, if Lee was a part of this dream life, then the friends were this dream life, then the friends were this dream life, then the friends were on board. They got married in 2017. Cara on board. They got married in 2017. Cara on board. They got married in 2017. Cara was there. was there. was there. And it was after the wedding she told me And it was after the wedding she told me And it was after the wedding she told me they were honestly relieved to learn they were honestly relieved to learn they were honestly relieved to learn that Lee would be the one moving to that Lee would be the one moving to that Lee would be the one moving to Houston to end the long-distance Houston to end the long-distance Houston to end the long-distance relationship. He worked in IT and tech relationship. He worked in IT and tech relationship. He worked in IT and tech consulting, so he was the one able to consulting, so he was the one able to consulting, so he was the one able to relocate. relocate. relocate. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And the Gillies were making their dream >> And the Gillies were making their dream >> And the Gillies were making their dream life a reality. Krista got pregnant with life a reality. Krista got pregnant with life a reality. Krista got pregnant with her first child just a month after Cara, her first child just a month after Cara, her first child just a month after Cara, so naturally they got even closer. And so naturally they got even closer. And so naturally they got even closer. And Krista was so excited to be a mom. Not Krista was so excited to be a mom. Not Krista was so excited to be a mom. Not long after that came baby number two.

long after that came baby number two. long after that came baby number two. Now, Cara knows from the outside looking Now, Cara knows from the outside looking Now, Cara knows from the outside looking in, the Gilly family is what people in, the Gilly family is what people in, the Gilly family is what people strive to be. strive to be. strive to be. But as is the case with social media, But as is the case with social media, But as is the case with social media, things aren't always as they seem. things aren't always as they seem. things aren't always as they seem. [music] And that went for Lee and [music] And that went for Lee and [music] And that went for Lee and Krista's marriage. Cara noticed Krista Krista's marriage. Cara noticed Krista Krista's marriage. Cara noticed Krista becoming a little more distant in 2024. becoming a little more distant in 2024. becoming a little more distant in 2024. But at the time, she just chalked it up But at the time, she just chalked it up But at the time, she just chalked it up mostly to busy schedules, you know, mostly to busy schedules, you know, mostly to busy schedules, you know, kids, work, they lived in two different kids, work, they lived in two different kids, work, they lived in two different states. [music] But obviously, now as states. [music] But obviously, now as states. [music] But obviously, now as she was reflecting on it, she felt she was reflecting on it, she felt she was reflecting on it, she felt haunted by knowing so much more was at haunted by knowing so much more was at haunted by knowing so much more was at play. play. play. Though, it would take almost a year for Though, it would take almost a year for Though, it would take almost a year for her to find out exactly how much more. her to find out exactly how much more. her to find out exactly how much more. While Lee Gilly was out on a $1 million While Lee Gilly was out on a $1 million While Lee Gilly was out on a $1 million bond awaiting trial, with an ankle bond awaiting trial, with an ankle bond awaiting trial, with an ankle monitor, of course, monitor, of course, monitor, of course, court documents continued to shed light court documents continued to shed light court documents continued to shed light on the secrets on the secrets on the secrets >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> of the Gilly marriage. Lee Gilly had no >> of the Gilly marriage. Lee Gilly had no >> of the Gilly marriage. Lee Gilly had no intentions of staying faithful [music] intentions of staying faithful [music] intentions of staying faithful [music] to Krista during their marriage based on to Krista during their marriage based on to Krista during their marriage based on what the prosecution found. He was what the prosecution found. He was what the prosecution found. He was constantly trying to hook up with other constantly trying to hook up with other constantly trying to hook up with other women and being skeezy about how he did women and being skeezy about how he did women and being skeezy about how he did it, according to the court records.

it, according to the court records. it, according to the court records. During instances between 2019 and up During instances between 2019 and up During instances between 2019 and up until Krista's death in [music] 2024, until Krista's death in [music] 2024, until Krista's death in [music] 2024, Lee was sending inappropriate Instagram Lee was sending inappropriate Instagram Lee was sending inappropriate Instagram DMs. He tried to get with another DMs. He tried to get with another DMs. He tried to get with another physical therapist. He even went on to physical therapist. He even went on to physical therapist. He even went on to Reddit and posted he was in a, quote, Reddit and posted he was in a, quote, Reddit and posted he was in a, quote, "bored marriage" and seeking a "bored marriage" and seeking a "bored marriage" and seeking a college-age female for a college-age female for a college-age female for a friends-with-benefits situation. friends-with-benefits situation. friends-with-benefits situation. Ew. Sometime in 2023, he escalated Ew. Sometime in 2023, he escalated Ew. Sometime in 2023, he escalated [music] this to a full-on affair with a [music] this to a full-on affair with a [music] this to a full-on affair with a woman in San Diego where he used to woman in San Diego where he used to woman in San Diego where he used to live. And it seemed his cruelty didn't live. And it seemed his cruelty didn't live. And it seemed his cruelty didn't stop at just his marriage, but trickled stop at just his marriage, but trickled stop at just his marriage, but trickled down to behavior toward his own down to behavior toward his own down to behavior toward his own children. The court documents showed he children. The court documents showed he children. The court documents showed he said horrific things about his young son said horrific things about his young son said horrific things about his young son in the past and he's quoted in these in the past and he's quoted in these in the past and he's quoted in these court docs, but I don't want to even court docs, but I don't want to even court docs, but I don't want to even repeat his words because his child repeat his words because his child repeat his words because his child should never have to hear them again. should never have to hear them again. should never have to hear them again. So, what was the tipping point? Why that So, what was the tipping point? Why that So, what was the tipping point? Why that night? Had Krista learned something? Had night? Had Krista learned something? Had night? Had Krista learned something? Had she threatened to leave him? Did she say she threatened to leave him? Did she say she threatened to leave him? Did she say something specific in that argument that something specific in that argument that something specific in that argument that set him off? We don't know. Her friends set him off? We don't know. Her friends set him off? We don't know. Her friends don't know because that's not in the don't know because that's not in the don't know because that's not in the documents. documents. documents. That was likely going to be something That was likely going to be something That was likely going to be something that the prosecution saved for trial.

that the prosecution saved for trial. that the prosecution saved for trial. So, [music] everyone was having to wait. So, [music] everyone was having to wait. So, [music] everyone was having to wait. Except, and this is the twist I warned Except, and this is the twist I warned Except, and this is the twist I warned you about, that trial that everyone was you about, that trial that everyone was you about, that trial that everyone was building towards, the one that was building towards, the one that was building towards, the one that was supposed to happen, supposed to happen, supposed to happen, it didn't. it didn't. it didn't. Because all hell broke loose. Literally, Because all hell broke loose. Literally, Because all hell broke loose. Literally, the worst thing that could go wrong the worst thing that could go wrong the worst thing that could go wrong did. Krista's friends had done a ton on Krista's friends had done a ton on social media to spread awareness about social media to spread awareness about social media to spread awareness about her case and they were finally just a her case and they were finally just a her case and they were finally just a couple weeks from trial starting. They'd couple weeks from trial starting. They'd couple weeks from trial starting. They'd been posting about it on Instagram and been posting about it on Instagram and been posting about it on Instagram and Facebook. They were all ready to show up Facebook. They were all ready to show up Facebook. They were all ready to show up in support even if it was just in support even if it was just in support even if it was just virtually. But they couldn't. virtually. But they couldn't. virtually. But they couldn't. Because legally didn't show up for his Because legally didn't show up for his Because legally didn't show up for his court hearing on May 5th. Why? Oh, court hearing on May 5th. Why? Oh, court hearing on May 5th. Why? Oh, because he was in Italy. Yeah, he because he was in Italy. Yeah, he because he was in Italy. Yeah, he somehow somehow somehow fled the country right before trial. And fled the country right before trial. And fled the country right before trial. And I know what you're thinking. Uh how I know what you're thinking. Uh how I know what you're thinking. Uh how could that happen? He had on an ankle could that happen? He had on an ankle could that happen? He had on an ankle monitor, right? And that would have monitor, right? And that would have monitor, right? And that would have alerted right away. And what identity alerted right away. And what identity alerted right away. And what identity did he use to get to Italy? Well, it did he use to get to Italy? Well, it did he use to get to Italy? Well, it turns out the first they got wind of turns out the first they got wind of turns out the first they got wind of this was back on May 4th, not when his this was back on May 4th, not when his this was back on May 4th, not when his ankle monitor alerted, but when the ankle monitor alerted, but when the ankle monitor alerted, but when the United States Marshals got an alert from United States Marshals got an alert from United States Marshals got an alert from the International Criminal Police the International Criminal Police the International Criminal Police Organization. They said someone Organization. They said someone Organization. They said someone traveling under the name Lejeune Jean traveling under the name Lejeune Jean traveling under the name Lejeune Jean Luc Olivier landed at the Milan airport Luc Olivier landed at the Milan airport Luc Olivier landed at the Milan airport on an Air Canada flight on May 3rd.

on an Air Canada flight on May 3rd. on an Air Canada flight on May 3rd. [music] And when he had to go through [music] And when he had to go through [music] And when he had to go through customs and show his Belgian ID, the customs and show his Belgian ID, the customs and show his Belgian ID, the Milan border police were like, "Yeah, Milan border police were like, "Yeah, Milan border police were like, "Yeah, no, this is fake." They immediately no, this is fake." They immediately no, this is fake." They immediately knew. So, this Lajoone Olivier guy is knew. So, this Lajoone Olivier guy is knew. So, this Lajoone Olivier guy is taken into immigration custody and he's taken into immigration custody and he's taken into immigration custody and he's facing deportation out of Italy. And facing deportation out of Italy. And facing deportation out of Italy. And that's when the guy is like, "Wait, that's when the guy is like, "Wait, that's when the guy is like, "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Uh, wait, wait, wait, wait. Uh, wait, wait, wait, wait. Uh, my true identity is Lee Gilley and I'm my true identity is Lee Gilley and I'm my true identity is Lee Gilley and I'm about to go on trial for the murder of about to go on trial for the murder of about to go on trial for the murder of my wife, [music] but I'm innocent and my wife, [music] but I'm innocent and my wife, [music] but I'm innocent and I'm claiming asylum. I'm claiming asylum. I'm claiming asylum. And Italy was a strategic play for Lee. And Italy was a strategic play for Lee. And Italy was a strategic play for Lee. You see, extradition does happen between You see, extradition does happen between You see, extradition does happen between Italy and the United States, but there's Italy and the United States, but there's Italy and the United States, but there's a caveat. Italy has banned the death a caveat. Italy has banned the death a caveat. Italy has banned the death penalty and won't extradite someone penalty and won't extradite someone penalty and won't extradite someone [music] who could be facing the death [music] who could be facing the death [music] who could be facing the death penalty. In order for that to work penalty. In order for that to work penalty. In order for that to work though, you have to be facing the death though, you have to be facing the death though, you have to be facing the death penalty. [music] penalty. [music] penalty. [music] And guess what I couldn't find in all of And guess what I couldn't find in all of And guess what I couldn't find in all of my reporting on this case? Any mention my reporting on this case? Any mention my reporting on this case? Any mention of the death penalty being sought up of the death penalty being sought up of the death penalty being sought up until now. And usually you have to file until now. And usually you have to file until now. And usually you have to file a notice of intent to seek that. So, I a notice of intent to seek that. So, I a notice of intent to seek that. So, I asked the Harris County District asked the Harris County District asked the Harris County District Attorney's office if they plan to pursue Attorney's office if they plan to pursue Attorney's office if they plan to pursue it or not, and they said they can't say it or not, and they said they can't say it or not, and they said they can't say anything due to a gag order the judge anything due to a gag order the judge anything due to a gag order the judge put on this case back [music] on May put on this case back [music] on May put on this case back [music] on May 8th. This is also why Chris's close 8th. This is also why Chris's close 8th. This is also why Chris's close family members can't talk to me about family members can't talk to me about family members can't talk to me about [music] the case right now, either, and [music] the case right now, either, and [music] the case right now, either, and whether legal team can only put out whether legal team can only put out whether legal team can only put out official statements, which certainly official statements, which certainly official statements, which certainly makes everything harder. Now, as poor of makes everything harder. Now, as poor of makes everything harder. Now, as poor of a job as he did with this getaway plan, a job as he did with this getaway plan, a job as he did with this getaway plan, you might be thinking this is something you might be thinking this is something you might be thinking this is something he pulled together last minute.

he pulled together last minute. he pulled together last minute. Absolutely not. What I found in the Absolutely not. What I found in the Absolutely not. What I found in the court docs had me floored. This man had court docs had me floored. This man had court docs had me floored. This man had been planning to flee since day one and been planning to flee since day one and been planning to flee since day one and he was telling everyone. Remember, I he was telling everyone. Remember, I he was telling everyone. Remember, I told you Lee Gilley was having an affair told you Lee Gilley was having an affair told you Lee Gilley was having an affair with that San Diego woman back in 2023? with that San Diego woman back in 2023? with that San Diego woman back in 2023? Well, that isn't the last time he talked Well, that isn't the last time he talked Well, that isn't the last time he talked [music] to her. According to the court [music] to her. According to the court [music] to her. According to the court records, as he is out on bond in 2025, 1 records, as he is out on bond in 2025, 1 records, as he is out on bond in 2025, 1 year before trial, he reaches out to her year before trial, he reaches out to her year before trial, he reaches out to her over a phone app. He full-on tells her over a phone app. He full-on tells her over a phone app. He full-on tells her he plans to flee to Mexico and other he plans to flee to Mexico and other he plans to flee to Mexico and other countries that he could remove his GPS countries that he could remove his GPS countries that he could remove his GPS ankle monitor and he provided her a plan ankle monitor and he provided her a plan ankle monitor and he provided her a plan on how he would do that. He also brought on how he would do that. He also brought on how he would do that. He also brought up the possibility of marriage and asked up the possibility of marriage and asked up the possibility of marriage and asked if she knew a Mexican identity he could if she knew a Mexican identity he could if she knew a Mexican identity he could get to get out of the US. And as if that get to get out of the US. And as if that get to get out of the US. And as if that wasn't enough to, I don't know, keep wasn't enough to, I don't know, keep wasn't enough to, I don't know, keep extra tabs on him, the records also show extra tabs on him, the records also show extra tabs on him, the records also show he told family on the day of the murder he told family on the day of the murder he told family on the day of the murder he intended to flee or leave the he intended to flee or leave the he intended to flee or leave the country. That this was all a setup, he country. That this was all a setup, he country. That this was all a setup, he was being targeted and he needed to was being targeted and he needed to was being targeted and he needed to quote take care of himself.

quote take care of himself. quote take care of himself. The evidence in these court docs shows The evidence in these court docs shows The evidence in these court docs shows since day one of this case he intended since day one of this case he intended since day one of this case he intended to flee the country. He made that known to flee the country. He made that known to flee the country. He made that known to multiple people. He even had it in to multiple people. He even had it in to multiple people. He even had it in [music] writing and he still was able to [music] writing and he still was able to [music] writing and he still was able to pull this off. pull this off. pull this off. So I was trying to figure out how. The So I was trying to figure out how. The So I was trying to figure out how. The court records document him cutting off court records document him cutting off court records document him cutting off that ankle monitor on May 1st, but they that ankle monitor on May 1st, but they that ankle monitor on May 1st, but they don't show any action being taken until don't show any action being taken until don't show any action being taken until May 4th. May 4th. May 4th. They don't explain why or what anyone They don't explain why or what anyone They don't explain why or what anyone was doing in those three days he was was doing in those three days he was was doing in those three days he was unaccounted for. I started researching unaccounted for. I started researching unaccounted for. I started researching more about this so I could ask the right more about this so I could ask the right more about this so I could ask the right questions to the Harris County [music] questions to the Harris County [music] questions to the Harris County [music] Pretrial Services Pretrial Services Pretrial Services and then my jaw hits the floor again. and then my jaw hits the floor again. and then my jaw hits the floor again. Multiple articles come up immediately Multiple articles come up immediately Multiple articles come up immediately with headlines that say, quote, "Second with headlines that say, quote, "Second with headlines that say, quote, "Second Harris County murder defendant cuts off Harris County murder defendant cuts off Harris County murder defendant cuts off ankle monitor and vanishes before ankle monitor and vanishes before ankle monitor and vanishes before trial." trial." trial." What? What? What? According to Houston news outlets just According to Houston news outlets just According to Houston news outlets just days after Lee Gillie cut off his ankle days after Lee Gillie cut off his ankle days after Lee Gillie cut off his ankle monitor, so did another guy named Walter monitor, so did another guy named Walter monitor, so did another guy named Walter Pozos who was supposed to be going to Pozos who was supposed to be going to Pozos who was supposed to be going to trial right before Lee. Walter was out trial right before Lee. Walter was out trial right before Lee. Walter was out on bond for leading a 2023 police chase on bond for leading a 2023 police chase on bond for leading a 2023 police chase [music] and crash that killed his [music] and crash that killed his [music] and crash that killed his passenger. Clearly, there's a massive passenger. Clearly, there's a massive passenger. Clearly, there's a massive public safety problem here.

public safety problem here. public safety problem here. It has leaders and officials calling for It has leaders and officials calling for It has leaders and officials calling for change. change. change. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> The Houston director of Crime Stoppers >> The Houston director of Crime Stoppers >> The Houston director of Crime Stoppers not only talked to multiple news not only talked to multiple news not only talked to multiple news outlets, but he posted on his own social outlets, but he posted on his own social outlets, but he posted on his own social media concerned about the number of media concerned about the number of media concerned about the number of ankle monitor and GPS violations the ankle monitor and GPS violations the ankle monitor and GPS violations the county has had. Even Texas Governor Greg county has had. Even Texas Governor Greg county has had. Even Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on his own social media Abbott posted on his own social media Abbott posted on his own social media that murder suspects disappearing before that murder suspects disappearing before that murder suspects disappearing before trial, {quote} happens too often and he trial, {quote} happens too often and he trial, {quote} happens too often and he wants stronger legislation passed to wants stronger legislation passed to wants stronger legislation passed to combat it. So, I tried to ask the Harris combat it. So, I tried to ask the Harris combat it. So, I tried to ask the Harris County Pre-trial Services Trial Director County Pre-trial Services Trial Director County Pre-trial Services Trial Director and the team about all of this. and the team about all of this. and the team about all of this. How did this go wrong? Why are multiple How did this go wrong? Why are multiple How did this go wrong? Why are multiple murder suspects able to cut off their murder suspects able to cut off their murder suspects able to cut off their ankle monitors and successfully flee? ankle monitors and successfully flee? ankle monitors and successfully flee? And how are they responding to officials And how are they responding to officials And how are they responding to officials calling them out and demanding change? calling them out and demanding change? calling them out and demanding change? After multiple follow-up emails, they After multiple follow-up emails, they After multiple follow-up emails, they finally got back to me and said, "Reach finally got back to me and said, "Reach finally got back to me and said, "Reach out to the DA's office for comment." out to the DA's office for comment." out to the DA's office for comment." That's the same office that can't That's the same office that can't That's the same office that can't comment due to the gag order. So, where comment due to the gag order. So, where comment due to the gag order. So, where does this mess leave the murder trial does this mess leave the murder trial does this mess leave the murder trial for Lee Gelly? for Lee Gelly? for Lee Gelly? I don't know. It got moved to June and I don't know. It got moved to June and I don't know. It got moved to June and it's now [music] completely off the it's now [music] completely off the it's now [music] completely off the docket while they work to get him docket while they work to get him docket while they work to get him extradited back to the US. And honestly, extradited back to the US. And honestly, extradited back to the US. And honestly, nobody really knows how long that will nobody really knows how long that will nobody really knows how long that will take. Could be a couple months, could be take. Could be a couple months, could be take. Could be a couple months, could be a year.

a year. a year. This is all excruciating for Krista's This is all excruciating for Krista's This is all excruciating for Krista's family and friends. The more this gets family and friends. The more this gets family and friends. The more this gets dragged out, the more trauma they have dragged out, the more trauma they have dragged out, the more trauma they have to go through to even get their day in to go through to even get their day in to go through to even get their day in court at all. Those who aren't court at all. Those who aren't court at all. Those who aren't subpoenaed in the case are doing what subpoenaed in the case are doing what subpoenaed in the case are doing what they can to get Krista's story out there they can to get Krista's story out there they can to get Krista's story out there and it's working. and it's working. and it's working. Cara helps run the Justice for Krista's Cara helps run the Justice for Krista's Cara helps run the Justice for Krista's social media pages on Instagram and social media pages on Instagram and social media pages on Instagram and Facebook. They now have thousands of Facebook. They now have thousands of Facebook. They now have thousands of followers who post wearing purple in followers who post wearing purple in followers who post wearing purple in honor of Krista Gelly every single week. honor of Krista Gelly every single week. honor of Krista Gelly every single week. People as far as Australia have joined People as far as Australia have joined People as far as Australia have joined the fight and those who love Krista hope the fight and those who love Krista hope the fight and those who love Krista hope [music] that all our Crime Junkies out [music] that all our Crime Junkies out [music] that all our Crime Junkies out there will join this, too. there will join this, too. there will join this, too. Krista's friends chose purple because it Krista's friends chose purple because it Krista's friends chose purple because it represents domestic violence awareness, represents domestic violence awareness, represents domestic violence awareness, something they hope to be able to talk something they hope to be able to talk something they hope to be able to talk more about as soon as this nightmare is more about as soon as this nightmare is more about as soon as this nightmare is over. over. over. Crime Junkies, we will keep you up to Crime Junkies, we will keep you up to Crime Junkies, we will keep you up to date on Lee Gelly's extradition process date on Lee Gelly's extradition process date on Lee Gelly's extradition process back to the United States and when the back to the United States and when the back to the United States and when the murder trial gets rescheduled. So, make murder trial gets rescheduled. So, make murder trial gets rescheduled. So, make sure to follow us, subscribe and hit the sure to follow us, subscribe and hit the sure to follow us, subscribe and hit the bell icon for breaking updates on this bell icon for breaking updates on this bell icon for breaking updates on this and other cases our team covers.