Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike was still alive hours after receiving lethal injection drugs, according to her lawyers. The execution, which was halted after a botched attempt, has raised concerns about the state's ability to carry out a lawful execution.
Pike, 50, was scheduled for execution at 10am on September 30, 2026, at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. Witnesses reported she was still alive and snoring more than an hour after the drugs were administered. Her lawyers filed an emergency petition to halt the execution and seek immediate medical care.
The execution, which was the first time a woman had been subjected to the death penalty in Tennessee in over 200 years, has led to calls for an investigation. Tennessee has since suspended executions for the rest of the year pending an inquiry. Pike's attorneys accused the state of failing to execute her lawfully.
Pike's lawyers argued the execution process was torturous, citing her history of sexual abuse and violence. They stated she had requested an all-female execution team to avoid the trauma of being held down by men. The state's failure to carry out a lawful execution has drawn criticism from legal experts and advocacy groups.