From Dw · · 50s
Tennessee prison chief resigns after botched execution
Tennessee prison chief steps down following failed execution of Christa Pike.
In brief
Tennessee prison chief steps down following failed execution of Christa Pike. Tennessee prison commissioner Frank Strada resigned after a botched execution of Christa Pike, who survived the lethal injection attempt. Originally reported by Dw.
Botched execution
Christa Pike was 18 when she killed a fellow student in 1995.
Execution attempt failed
Witnesses said Pike was still breathing and moaning after two doses of pentobarbital failed to kill her.
Resignation confirmed
Governor Bill Lee said prison commissioner Frank Strada would leave his post this month.
Reason for resignation
Strada acknowledged stepping aside is in the best interest of Tennesseans as the independent review moves forward.
Systemic failure
Pike's lawyers said the execution reflected a systemic failure beyond any one person.
Next steps
Tennessee will halt further executions until the independent review is complete.
Here's the gist
Tennessee prison commissioner Frank Strada resigned after a botched execution of Christa Pike, who survived the lethal injection attempt.
