Christa Pike survives execution attempt

Christa Pike's Failed Execution

Christa Pike, the only woman on Tennessee's death row, was set to be executed by lethal injection on Wednesday, September 30. However, the execution was botched, and Pike survived after being given two doses of pentobarbital. According to witnesses, Pike was asked about her last words and replied, "I'm going to leave this world the way I spent most of my life, and that is with love." She also stated that she was at peace and ready to go, as reported by Lawrence.

Background on the Case

Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, a crime she committed at the age of 18. The murder was particularly brutal, with Pike and her boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, torturing and killing Slemmer. Pike's lawyers had argued that her age at the time of the murder, as well as her history of abuse and mental illness, should be taken into consideration. As Phil Keith, who was chief of the Knoxville Police Department at the time Pike was sentenced to death, described, the crime scene was "grotesque."

Execution Attempt

The execution attempt began with Pike being given a dose of pentobarbital, but she did not die. A second dose was administered, but Pike still showed signs of life, including breathing and snoring. The execution chamber's curtains were closed, and Pike was eventually taken to a hospital for life-saving medical care. As reported by journalist Tori Gastner, "Nothing about today was normal, typical, at all." Pike's lawyers said in a statement, "Tonight the State of Tennessee once again failed to carry out a lawful execution."

Reaction from Officials

The Tennessee Department of Correction released a statement saying that they had followed every step of the state's execution protocol. However, Governor Bill Lee has ordered a comprehensive, third-party review of the failed execution and has halted all scheduled executions in the state for the rest of the year. Governor Lee stated, "Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State's most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective."

Concerns about Lethal Injection

Pike's case has raised concerns about the use of lethal injection as a method of execution. Some experts have questioned the effectiveness of the drug pentobarbital, which was used in Pike's execution. Dr. Joel Zivot, a professor at the Emory University School of Medicine, told the BBC that Pike probably never achieved a sufficient blood level of pentobarbital to cause her breath to stop or heart failure.

Detail	Information
Number of doses administered	2
Type of drug used	Pentobarbital
Condition of Christa Pike	Critical

Previous Botched Executions

Pike's case is not the first botched execution in Tennessee this year. In May, the execution of Tony Carruthers was postponed after staff were unable to find a vein to administer a lethal injection. Carruthers was given a one-year reprieve by Governor Bill Lee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened during Christa Pike's execution attempt?

Christa Pike was given two doses of pentobarbital, but she did not die. She showed signs of life, including breathing and snoring, and was eventually taken to a hospital for life-saving medical care, as reported by witnesses and her lawyers.

What is the current condition of Christa Pike?

Christa Pike is in critical condition and is receiving life-saving medical care at a hospital, according to her lawyer Randy Spivey.

What has been the reaction from officials?

Governor Bill Lee has ordered a comprehensive, third-party review of the failed execution and has halted all scheduled executions in the state for the rest of the year, stating that "Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State's most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective."

The failed execution of Christa Pike has raised concerns about the use of lethal injection as a method of execution and the potential for botched executions. As the investigation into the failed execution continues, it remains to be seen what will happen next in Pike's case. According to Governor Bill Lee, the state will halt executions for the rest of the year, and a comprehensive review of the execution protocol will be conducted. The outcome of this review and the future of Pike's case are still uncertain, leaving many questions unanswered. May Martinez, the mother of Colleen Slemmer, described the events as "a mess," while Pike's lawyers have called for her death sentence to be commuted, arguing that the failed execution amounted to "torture."