Stories
Christa Pike's Execution Fails Twice, Raising Legal and Ethical Questions
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CNBC TV18•01-10-2026, 21:37
Christa Pike's Execution Fails Twice, Raising Legal and Ethical Questions
- •Christa Pike, 50, survived two doses of pentobarbital during her scheduled execution, becoming the first woman in Tennessee in over 200 years to face execution.
- •Pike was convicted in 1996 for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer when Pike was 18.
- •Her execution was initially halted by a last-minute stay from the Sixth US Circuit Court of Appeals, which was then vacated by the US Supreme Court.
- •After surviving two doses of the lethal injection drug, Pike was transported to an outside hospital, prompting her lawyers to argue against further execution attempts as cruel and unusual punishment.
- •Governor Bill Lee has ordered an independent review of the failed execution and halted Tennessee's remaining scheduled execution for 2026, while Pike's legal team prepares for new challenges.
Key Questions Answered
Christa Pike was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy for the January 1995 killing of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. Pike was 18 at the time of the crime and was sentenced to death in 1996.
Pike survived two doses of pentobarbital administered during her lethal injection and was subsequently transported to an off-site medical facility. Her lawyers argued that continuing the attempt would constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review of the incident and halted Tennessee's remaining scheduled execution for 2026. The Department of Correction stated that the execution team followed the state's approved protocol.
