Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Christa Pike Survives Two Injections as Tennessee Reviews Execution
Tennessee tried to execute Christa Pike, who was sentenced to death for killing Colleen Slemmer in 1995.
Officials gave Pike two doses of a drug meant to end her life.
Witnesses said she was still breathing and making snoring sounds.
She was taken to a hospital, and her lawyers said she was in critical condition.
The state says the execution team followed its rules, but officials have not explained why the drugs did not work.
Pike’s lawyers say problems with the IV or the way the drug was delivered may have played a part.
Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review and delayed another planned execution.
It is not yet known whether Tennessee will try to execute Pike again.
Tennessee’s September 30 execution attempt against Christa Pike failed after two doses of pentobarbital.
Witnesses reported Pike remained alive, breathing and making snoring sounds before she was taken to a hospital.
Pike’s lawyers cited difficulties establishing an IV and possible delivery or drug problems; the state has not identified a cause.
The Department of Correction said staff followed the approved protocol, while Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review and postponed the state’s remaining scheduled 2026 execution.
Pike’s lawyers are seeking to commute her sentence and may challenge another attempt; any new execution date would require action by the Tennessee Supreme Court.
- Who
- Christa Pike, Tennessee officials, Pike’s lawyers, and Colleen Slemmer’s mother, May Martinez.
- What
- Tennessee’s attempt to execute Pike was halted after she survived two doses of pentobarbital and was taken to a hospital.
- When
- September 30, 2026; updates and the governor’s response followed on October 1.
- Where
- Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville, Tennessee, followed by an off-site hospital.
- Why
- Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 killing of Colleen Slemmer; the reason the execution attempt failed remains unknown.
Pike’s Lawyers and Execution Critics
Tennessee Officials and Slemmer’s Family
What caused the failed attempt
Pike’s Lawyers and Execution Critics
Pike’s lawyers pointed to difficulty establishing IV access and raised possible problems with drug delivery, the IV line, or the drug. No cause has been established.
Tennessee Officials and Slemmer’s Family
Tennessee’s Department of Correction said the team followed the approved protocol and that the drug had consistently been effective.
Whether Pike should face another execution attempt
Pike’s Lawyers and Execution Critics
Pike’s lawyers say the attempt caused unnecessary suffering, argue it raises constitutional concerns, and are seeking commutation. They may contest any further attempt.
Tennessee Officials and Slemmer’s Family
May Martinez, Slemmer’s mother, said the failed attempt did not bring justice for her daughter. Tennessee has not said whether it will seek another execution date.
Lethal-injection procedures
Pike’s Lawyers and Execution Critics
Critics and legal observers say Pike’s survival raises questions about whether lethal injection can be reliably and humanely administered.
Tennessee Officials and Slemmer’s Family
State officials say the execution team followed the state’s established procedure, which allowed a second dose but no additional procedures.
- Prisoner
- Christa Pike, 50
- Underlying case
- Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 killing of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer.
- Execution drug
- Pentobarbital
- Doses reported
- Two
- Execution location
- Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, Nashville
- Medical status
- Pike was taken to an off-site hospital; her lawyers said she was in critical condition, while Tennessee did not publicly detail her condition.
- State response
- Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review and postponed Tennessee’s remaining scheduled 2026 execution.
- Possible next steps
- Pike’s lawyers are seeking commutation; a new execution date would require the Tennessee Supreme Court to act.
Sources
Who is Christa Pike? Inside the US execution that was stopped, restarted — then failed twice
Explained: Why didn't Christa Pike die despite two lethal injections? The first such case in 207 years
"Try High On Shoulder": Tennessee Woman Guided Execution Team To Her Veins
Christa Pike survives two lethal injections. Can Tennessee execute her again?
How Christa Pike's Failed Execution In US Played Out, Minute By Painful Minute
US Death Row Inmate Christa Pike Survives Execution Attempt After 2 Lethal Injections
