Execution Botched: Inmate Survives Two Lethal Injections

Christa Pike, 50, reportedly survived her execution on Wednesday after receiving two doses of the lethal drug pentobarbital. She was found to have a pulse and was snoring, prompting her immediate transfer to a hospital. Pike had been condemned for the brutal 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer and was slated to be the first woman executed in Tennessee in 200 years.

Her execution proceeded despite a last-minute appeal. Legal filings indicated her attorneys stated two doses of pentobarbital were administered. Witnesses observed Pike strapped to a gurney, with her last words expressing peace. However, she was later found alive and snoring, leading to media witnesses being escorted out and Pike being rushed to the hospital.

In response to the botched execution, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered a review to determine the cause and halted all scheduled executions for the year. The Death Penalty Information Center noted that while others have survived medical issues during executions, no one had survived after receiving lethal injections.

Pentobarbital, a drug that slows brain and nerve activity, has been used in executions. Its use has been controversial, with previous administrations removing it from federal protocols due to concerns about causing pain, though it was later reauthorized.