Tennessee governor halts execution of Christa Gail Pike after second failed lethal injection attempt. Pike, 50, survived two doses of pentobarbital and was taken to hospital. The state has halted remaining executions for 2026.
Tennessee officials administered two doses of pentobarbital to Pike during the execution attempt. Pike was found alive and snoring after the second dose, prompting her attorneys to seek immediate medical care. The state's execution protocol allows for a second set of drugs if the inmate is not deceased after the first set.
Governor Bill Lee ordered a third-party review after the failed execution, stating the state will not proceed with remaining executions this year. The incident marks the second failed execution in Tennessee this year, following a similar failure in May.
Tennessee's Department of Correction defended its actions, stating they followed the state's established execution protocol. Pike's attorneys criticized the process, citing issues with vein access and lack of emergency medical care during the procedure.