Friend of Slain Pregnant Texas Woman Comments on Death Penalty Decision

<p>The childhood friend of a pregnant Texas woman allegedly killed by her husband stated that the decision by prosecutors to remove the death penalty from consideration has brought the family its "biggest relief" in months as they seek to have the suspect returned from Italy to face trial.</p><p>"Honestly, it was the biggest relief that we've had in months," Cara Kelly, childhood friend of Christa Bauer Gilley, told Fox News. </p><p>Kelly noted that the death penalty had not been a topic of discussion among Christa’s loved ones prior to her husband, Lee Gilley, fleeing to Italy.</p><p>"No one was pushing for the death penalty. It wasn't brought up in hearings. It wasn't in the court records," Kelly said. "It just was not something that we were talking about or thinking about until he fled."</p><p>The legal issue arises from Italy's laws that prevent the extradition of individuals who may face the death penalty.</p><p>For Kelly, this development represents a step towards what Christa’s loved ones have wanted: Gilley’s return to Texas to face the allegations in court. </p><p>"What we've wanted the entire time… is a fair trial where the evidence can come out to a judge or a jury in Texas where it belongs," she said.</p><p>Prosecutors released a statement after removing the death penalty from consideration last week, asserting that Gilley had "falsely" claimed that the death sentence remained a possibility.</p><p>"It is our hope that this notice will put an end to the defendant's charade so that he can be tried by a jury or judge in the United States, and the victims receive the justice they deserve," the prosecutors stated.</p><p>Another friend of Christa's, Sarah Bynum, also expressed hope for justice, emphasizing the need for a fair trial in Texas.</p><p>Bynum mentioned that she continues to think of and pray for Christa's family as they navigate a custody battle for Christa's children. "I just keep them in my thoughts and prayers every day and their efforts to provide those kids a sense of normalcy throughout all of this. And while going through the legal and financial burdens of this custody fight," she said.</p><p>Lee Gilley maintains his innocence as prosecutors work to bring him back to stand trial. "My wife is dead, and they wrongly blame me. That's why I no longer have faith in the justice system," he stated, according to NBC News. "I am innocent. I did not kill my wife. The only crime I committed was fleeing. I fled to avoid being killed. I went to great lengths to escape and seek protection in Italy."</p>