Botched executions came after changes to state protocol
Summary
Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol has become shorter and less detailed over successive revisions, according to a CBS News review. The change has drawn scrutiny after two executions failed this year, with execution teams struggling to establish IV lines in both cases.Key Facts
- Christa Pike’s execution attempt in September was Tennessee’s second botched execution this year.
- Pike was sentenced to death for her role in the 1995 torture and murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer.
- Tennessee’s protocol contained more than 100 pages before 2025; the version released early last year had 44 pages.
- The 2025 protocol describes the IV team’s primary role in one line, while earlier versions gave more detail about IV procedures and equipment.
- Earlier protocols required monthly team training that included practicing IV placement on a volunteer acting as an inmate; the 2025 version removed that practice requirement.
- In May, execution team members spent more than an hour trying to establish an IV line for Tony Carruthers before Gov. Bill Lee granted him a one-year reprieve.
- Pike’s lawyer said team members tried for about an hour to establish an IV line, and Pike reported arm pain after the drugs were administered.
- The Tennessee Department of Corrections said it followed the state’s lawful execution protocol in Pike’s case.
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