a Bauer. He has pled not guilty and claimed he fled the U.S. because he was being wrongfully prosecuted and lost faith in the justice system. That has set off a back-and-forth between the two countries, as the U.S. government seeks to extradite Gilley and Italy seeks assurances he won't face the death penalty if convicted. RELATED: Prosecutors confirm no intent to seek death for Harris County capital murder defendant who fled to Italy An Italian court heard new testimony this week related to the extradition request but so far a ruling has not been issued. Bauer's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Gilley this week, seeking to block him from any financial benefit that arises from her alleged murder.