911 call transcript from botched Christa Pike execution released
Authorities in Tennessee have released a written transcript of a 911 call regarding a botched execution attempt of death row inmate Christa Pike. The release follows a legal battle over the execution process and public disclosure requirements for emergency communications.
Why it matters
The incident raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the death penalty, the use of lethal injection, and the transparency of state-sanctioned executions.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - What happened the night Christa Pike’s attempted execution failed? Authorities have released the transcript of the 911 call made from Riverbend Maximum Security Institution that night, providing new details about what occurred.
Metro Nashville Emergency Communications Center (DEC) released the transcript on Monday — a little over one week after the botched execution .
The Nashville Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) first received notification of the incident at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution through a 911 call at 8:40 p.m. CT on Sept. 30, 2026.
DEC said following a review by Metro Legal, it was determined that the original 911 audio call is exempt from public disclosure under Tennessee Code § 10-7-504(h).
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