Failed 'torturous' execution attempt on Christa Pike reignites death penalty debate
The botched execution in Tennessee of Christa Pike – who survived despite being subject to two doses of lethal injection on Wednesday – has reignited furious debate about the death penalty in the U.S.
Christa Pike, a 50-year-old female murderer, is currently in critical condition and receiving life-saving care following a botched execution in Tennessee. On Wednesday night, Pike, who had endured two lethal injections of pentobarbital in her attempt to be put to death, was pulled from the prison execution chamber and rushed to a hospital.
Her lawyer, Randy Spivey, stated that she is in critical condition and receiving necessary medical care, urging Governor Bill Lee to commute her death sentence. Experts on the US death penalty say that Pike's case is unprecedented, being the first person to survive after being administered lethal doses of execution drugs. Pike had previously objected to the execution IV protocol due to her small veins and a blood condition.
Media witnesses reported that Pike appeared awake during the execution and expressed discomfort after the second injection. Governor Lee has called for a comprehensive, third-party review of the failed execution.
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- Christa Pike in critical condition after surviving two lethal injections, lawyer says kahawatungu.com
- Christa Pike in ‘life-saving care’ after botched Tennessee execution scmp.com
- Christa Pike survived her execution attempt. Tennessee must not try again | Austin Sarat theguardian.com
- Christa Pike in critical condition after surviving two lethal injections, lawyer says indianexpress.com
