From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Christa Pike survives botched execution in Tennessee
The death row inmate was administered two doses of pentobarbital and survived, the first reported case of its kind in the modern era.
In brief
The death row inmate was administered two doses of pentobarbital and survived, the first reported case of its kind in the modern era. Christa Pike survived a botched lethal injection at a Tennessee prison on September thirtieth after personnel struggled to establish IV lines and administered two doses of…
Execution attempt at Riverbend
Christa Pike survived being administered two doses of pentobarbital during her attempted execution at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville on September thirtieth.
IV team struggled with veins
According to attorney Randy Spivey, who witnessed the execution, the Tennessee Department of Correction's IV team appeared to use approximately ten needles to administer pentobarbital.
Needle insertion difficulties
The IV team began attempting to locate a vein at six thirty four pm. One team member appeared to be struggling to locate a vein, and at several points team members expressed concern that Pike's…
Pike's physical reaction
Pike grimaced as an IV team member attempted to insert a needle in her left shoulder. After one team member said the vein was blown, another said, Let's regroup.
“Let's regroup”
Lines deemed ready
At seven twenty four pm, the IV team seemed satisfied that the lines were set and exited the chamber.About ten minutes later, Pike remarked, I feel like my arm is about to bust.It burns.
“I feel like my arm is about to bust. It burns”
Distress signs escalate
Pike's breathing became more labored and she started to make snoring and choking sounds. At eight oh six pm, her spiritual advisor whispered to Spivey, She's still alive.
“She's still alive”
Emergency response called
At eight forty pm, an individual called nine one one from the prison to request an ambulance. A third dose of pentobarbital is not authorized under the state's protocol, according to Spivey.
Pike regains consciousness
Pike was hospitalized on life support following the botched execution before regaining consciousness nearly a week later, on October sixth.She suffered burns on her arms from the pentobarbital and had cognitive issues upon regaining consciousness.
First survival of lethal injection
Pike is the first person reported to have survived lethal injection after being given medications, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, whose executive director called it the worst we've ever seen and unlike any…
“the worst we've ever seen and unlike any other botched execution in the modern era”
State halts executions, orders review
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered a temporary halt to scheduled executions following Pike's botched execution.The governor appointed former U.S.
The main idea
Christa Pike survived a botched lethal injection at a Tennessee prison on September thirtieth after personnel struggled to establish IV lines and administered two doses of pentobarbital, prompting an independent review and temporary halt to executions.
