Tennessee to execute a woman for first time in 200 years after governor denies clemency
Summary
Christa Pike, who was 18 when she killed a classmate in 1995, is scheduled to be executed in Tennessee, marking the first time a woman has been executed in the state in 200 years. The governor denied clemency, and Pike’s lawyers argue her death sentence is unfair due to her traumatic childhood and mental illness.Key Facts
- Christa Pike was convicted of killing her 19-year-old classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995.
- Pike was 18 at the time of the crime and one of the youngest women on death row.
- The killing involved torture, and a satanic symbol was carved into the victim’s body.
- Pike’s attorneys say she had untreated bipolar disorder and PTSD, and suffered severe childhood sexual abuse.
- Tennessee Governor Bill Lee refused to grant clemency for Pike’s execution.
- Pike’s boyfriend, who was 17 at the time, was sentenced to life with parole but was denied parole last year.
- Executions of women are very rare in the US; Tennessee has not executed a woman since 1820.
- The victim’s mother supports the execution, hoping for justice after many years.
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