Christa Pike's attorneys renew push for commuted sentence after botched execution: "Take death off the table"
Her lawyers are seeking clemency after two doses of pentobarbital failed to kill her, and officials say the cause of the botched execution remains unclear.
- On Wednesday, September 30, Tennessee officials botched the execution of Christa Pike, 50, who remains unconscious and on a ventilator at a Nashville-area hospital.
- Pike was 18 when she and her boyfriend tortured and killed classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995, becoming one of the youngest women sent to death row.
- Officials administered two doses of pentobarbital using seven needles during the procedure, leaving Pike with swollen, burned and blistered arms while she remained conscious enough to complain of pain.
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee paused all executions for 2026 and ordered an independent investigation, while Correction Commissioner Frank Strada resigned Saturday following the failed execution.
- Attorney Stephen Ferrell urged the state to commute Pike's sentence to life in prison after she endured a "torturous" execution attempt, noting she "may not fully recover.
83 Articles
83 Articles
Christa Pike execution failure spares murderer who bailed victim out just to kill him – Democratic Accent
The execution of a double murderer who bailed one of his victims out of jail... The post Christa Pike execution failure spares murderer who bailed victim out just to kill him appeared first on Democratic Accent .
Christa Pike's Attorney Calls for Death Penalty to Be 'Taken Off the Table' After Botched Execution Attempt - Charisma Magazine Online
Christa Pike’s lawyer wants Tennessee to respond to her botched execution by agreeing not to try to execute her again. “The least that could happen now is that we at least take death off the table and start looking for what the future could be for her,” attorney Steve Ferrell, of the Federal Defender Services […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium








































