5 Hard Truths About Christa Pike's Botched Execution
Summary
Christa Pike's execution in Tennessee failed after two doses of the lethal drug pentobarbital. Although she became unconscious, she was still alive and was taken to a hospital where she is now recovering. The state is legally required to provide medical care after a failed execution.Key Facts
- Christa Pike was convicted for a 1995 murder and spent most of her adult life on death row.
- Her execution took place at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville on September 30.
- The first dose of pentobarbital did not kill her, so a second dose was given.
- Pike was unconscious but breathing and snoring, indicating she was still alive after the procedure.
- Tennessee law allows only two doses for lethal injection before it must stop.
- After the failed execution, Pike was put on a ventilator in the hospital to keep her alive.
- The U.S. Constitution requires that prisoners receive medical care, even after a failed execution to avoid "cruel and unusual punishment."
- Lethal injection is considered more "humane" than older methods but has a history of failure in some cases.
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