From MercoPress · · 1m 10s
Christa Pike survives failed execution in Tennessee
Christa Pike, 50, survived a failed lethal injection in Tennessee and remains critical.
In brief
Christa Pike, 50, survived a failed lethal injection in Tennessee and remains critical. Christa Pike survived a failed execution attempt in Tennessee and remains in critical condition after being given both doses of pentobarbital as per state protocol. Originally reported by MercoPress.
Christa Pike survives failed execution
Christa Pike, 50, survived a lethal injection attempt in tennessee and remains in critical condition according to her lawyers.
“Christa is alive right now. we don't have a sense of her prognosis, but we do know that she is alive and receiving life-saving medical care”
State protocol followed but execution incomplete
The state followed its execution protocol but the procedure was not completed as the woman remained breathing nearly an hour later.
Defence alleges protocol issues
Pike's defence claimed difficult vein access, blown veins, degraded pentobarbital and lack of emergency medical care during the procedure.
Medical expert analysis
Emory University professor Joel Zivot said the drug likely did not reach sufficient blood levels causing potential brain injury.
Pike's conviction and background
Pike was convicted of murdering colleen slemmer in knoxville in january 1995 when she was eighteen years old.
State execution protocol history
Tennessee paused executions in 2022 after an investigation found prison officials did not follow drug-testing rules and resumed in 2025.
At a glance
Christa Pike survived a failed execution attempt in Tennessee and remains in critical condition after being given both doses of pentobarbital as per state protocol.
