Christa Pike's lawyer gives update on death row inmate

Christa Pike, who was executed in Tennessee on Wednesday night, remains unconscious and on a ventilator at a hospital for the past four days, according to her lawyer. The prognosis for her condition may not be known for some more days. Assistant Federal Defender Stephen Ferrell, Pike's lawyer, stated on CNN's "State of the Union" that she has not regained consciousness since the failed execution attempt.

Pike, now 50 years old, was 18 when she tortured and killed her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in 1995 due to jealousy. She became one of the youngest women to be sent to death row. During the execution attempt, Pike was given two doses of lethal injection drug pentobarbital. However, she survived but suffered burns and blisters on her arms from the caustic drugs.

Pike gave someone her medical power of attorney, and this person is currently maintaining her privacy, as revealed by her lawyer Stephen Ferrell. The identity of the person making Pike's medical decisions remains undisclosed. Pike's defense team has not identified this individual. A spokesperson for Pike's defense team expressed appreciation for respecting Christa's rightful privacy.