Tennessee's execution of Christa Pike, the state's first woman in 200 years, was halted by a federal appeals court an hour before it was set to begin. The court ordered a stay to review whether her sentencing considered her age, mental illness, and a history of sexual abuse.
The 50-year-old Pike, 18 when she and her boyfriend killed 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995, faces execution despite her claims of mental illness and childhood trauma. Prosecutors had previously denied clemency requests from both the state governor and the Supreme Court.
A federal appeals court ruled in a 2-1 decision that the execution should be paused to ensure a proper review of the case. The court emphasized the need to address the 'interests of justice' and the 'finality' of Pike's sentence. The stay allows for further legal scrutiny of the case.
Slemmer's mother, May Martinez, has waited decades to see Pike's sentence carried out, stating she has waited for the execution to happen. The case has sparked debate over the death penalty for young offenders and the consideration of mental health in sentencing.