Christa Pike to be first woman executed in Tennessee in 200 years - but her defence say she's a victim too
Summary
Christa Pike is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection in Tennessee, potentially becoming the first woman executed in the state in over 200 years. Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for a murder she committed at age 18, but her lawyers argue she faced neglect and abuse as a child and that these factors were not fully considered during her trial.Key Facts
- Christa Pike was convicted of murder in 1995 for killing Colleen Slemmer in Tennessee.
- Pike was 18 years old at the time of the crime.
- She is scheduled for execution on September 30 by lethal injection.
- If executed, Pike will be Tennessee’s first woman executed in more than 200 years.
- Pike’s lawyers submitted a clemency petition asking to reduce her sentence.
- They highlight her history of childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and mental illness.
- Pike was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in prison in 2021.
- Some legal experts say Pike’s defense did not fully present her traumatic background during her trial.
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