World · North America · 1 hr ago
Christa Pike walks and speaks after failed Tennessee execution
Christa Pike is recovering after a failed execution attempt in Tennessee on September 30.
The 50-year-old was given two doses of pentobarbital but survived and was taken to hospital unconscious, with severe burns on her arms.
She can now walk more independently and speak in full sentences, according to her lawyer.
Doctors are still monitoring her cognitive and psychological health, and the lasting effects may take another month to become clear.
Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 stabbing of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer.
One-third of Americans support a second execution attempt after a failed one, while 39% in a nationwide poll favored life in prison and 26% were unsure.
The poll found no majority for trying again, as courts consider whether states can make another attempt after an execution fails.
Christa Pike, 50, is walking more independently and speaking in full sentences weeks after surviving a failed execution in Tennessee.
She was given two doses of pentobarbital on September 30 but remained alive and was taken to hospital unconscious and on a ventilator.
Her lawyer said her speech and physical abilities have improved, but doctors are still monitoring her cognitive and psychological functioning.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 39% of Americans favored life in prison after a failed execution, while one-third supported trying again.
- Who
- Christa Pike, a 50-year-old death row inmate.
- What
- She has improved physically and can walk more independently and speak in full sentences after surviving a failed execution.
- When
- The execution attempt was on September 30; her recovery was reported on October 22.
- Where
- Tennessee. Pike was taken to a local hospital after the execution attempt.
- Why
- Tennessee officials attempted to execute her for the 1995 stabbing death of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer.
Those who favor a second execution attempt
Those who favor life in prison after a failed attempt
Approach
Those who favor a second execution attempt
One-third of Americans surveyed said the government should try again to execute someone who survives an attempt.
Those who favor life in prison after a failed attempt
39% said the person should serve life in prison.
Tennessee officials gave Pike two doses of pentobarbital in an attempt to execute her, but she survived and was taken to hospital.
Pike regained consciousness, according to the Straits Times.
The four-day Reuters/Ipsos poll on responses to failed executions was completed.
The Daily Mail reported that Pike was walking more independently and speaking in full sentences.
- Age
- 50
- Execution attempt
- September 30, Tennessee
- Drug used
- Pentobarbital
- Crime
- 1995 stabbing death of classmate Colleen Slemmer
- Poll respondents
- 1,679 US adults