Christa Pike Seeks Clemency After Failed Lethal Injection

Christa Pike, 50, says she remains in physical and emotional pain and struggles to speak after surviving Tennessee’s failed September 30 lethal-injection attempt, during which she received two doses of pentobarbital and suffered severe arm injuries. She was hospitalized and returned to prison, where she continues to receive medical care; in her first public statement, she expressed concern for the family of Colleen Slemmer, whom she was convicted of murdering in 1995, and thanked those who treated and supported her. Pike’s lawyers are seeking clemency and questioning whether the state should attempt another execution, alleging that staff struggled to establish IV lines; a judge has ordered evidence from the attempt preserved. Gov. Bill Lee suspended executions through the end of the year while the state investigates, and the corrections commissioner is stepping down. Lee said Pike’s death sentence is likely to remain in place unless courts decide otherwise, while Slemmer’s mother has said she still wants the sentence carried out.