US Murderer Christa Pike Discharged from Hospital 10 Days After Failed Execution
BBC News reports that US death row inmate Christa Pike has been discharged from hospital following her botched execution at the end of last month.
Pike, who is 50, has been returned to the prison where she has spent the last 30 years, according to a statement from her lawyers. She continues to receive medical care at the prison.
On 30 September, Pike survived two lethal injections of the drug pentobarbital, leaving her in a critical condition. This week, she regained consciousness and began speaking—a surprising development for experts, medical staff, and her lawyers.
"She is grateful to the first responders and her medical team for their care in these extraordinary circumstances," her lawyers stated.
Pike's case marks uncharted territory as she is believed to be the only person to have survived an execution attempt by lethal injection. At a court hearing on Wednesday, the state of Tennessee's intentions regarding further attempts to execute her remain unclear.
Pike was 18 when she, along with her then-boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, beat, tortured, and killed Colleen Slemmer, whom they had met at a job training camp.
After her most recent attempt, Pike was taken to a local hospital, where her legal team initially believed she was brain dead. She woke up and began talking on Tuesday, asking questions about her location and those around her.
Her lawyers previously expressed concern about her mental health, stating she felt "angry and confused" and was facing a "long road to recovery." It remains unclear what medical care Pike is currently receiving.
Related topics:
- Tennessee
- Execution
- Legal