Dick DeGuerin
ON THE RECORD · 8 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“The Italian courts will not extradite if the death penalty is on the table, and the charge against Mr. Gilley is capital murder. In Texas, there are only two punishments for capital murder, death or life without the possibility of parole,”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin explained why Italian courts blocked the extradition of his client Lee Gilley.
“In that time, I've had other clients who have skipped bond, not often, very infrequently – I've never had one like this.”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin said he has rarely had clients skip bond but never had a case like Gilley's.
“We've maintained from the very beginning that he is not guilty and he did not kill his wife,”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin stated the defense's position that Gilley did not murder his wife Christa Bauer Gilley.
“Italy is asking that they commit fully that the death penalty is off the table,”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin commented on Italy's demand for guarantees that the death penalty would not apply to Gilley.
“We never thought that was on the table anyway, but Italy has required that.”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin said the defense never believed the death penalty was being pursued, but Italy required confirmation.
“I've never had one like this.”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin, who has practiced law for six decades, is representing Lee Gilley, who fled to Italy before his trial.
“I've been a criminal defense lawyer for 60 years,”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin reflected on his long career while discussing his client Lee Gilley fleeing to Italy.
“The answer to that clearly is no. Only a jury can do that,”
Dick DeGuerin · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-27
DeGuerin clarified that only a jury, not a judge, could impose the death penalty in Texas.