Botched US execution leaves murderer unconscious on ventilator: lawyers
Convicted murderer Christa Pike remains in critical condition on a ventilator following a botched lethal injection execution in Tennessee. Lawyers for Pike and state officials are currently disputing the state's obligation to provide life-saving care after the procedure failed.
Why it matters
The incident raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding the state's execution protocols and the medical responsibilities of prison authorities during failed capital punishment attempts.
Hours earlier on September 30, the Supreme Court cleared the way for Christa Pike, 50, to become the first woman to be executed in the southern US state of Tennessee in 200 years – but the attempt failed. Photo / Tennessee Department of Correction, AFP
Convicted US murderer Christa Pike is unconscious on a ventilator after a botched attempt to execute her by lethal injection, her lawyers said in a court filing on Friday.
After a dramatic day of legal wrangling, prison officials in Tennessee on Wednesday injected two deadly doses of the highly toxic drug pentobarbital into Pike for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer.
But witnesses said the 50-year-old Pike remained awake longer than expected and was later heard “loudly snoring” before an ambulance rushed her to a nearby hospital.
Also covering this story
17 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
US death row inmate receiving 'life-saving care' after botched execution
Tennessee execution survivor Christa Pike on ventilator, attorneys say
Christa Pike’s botched execution exposes the deep contradictions of a ‘painless’ state-imposed death
saving care' after botched execution
Christa Pike: Life, death and a botched execution in Tennessee
Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution: Lawyers
Christa Pike on a ventilator, unconscious after failed execution - lawyers
Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator at Nashville hospital, her lawyers say
Christa Pike remains on ventilator after failed execution in Tennessee
Christa Pike is in critical condition after failed execution in Tennessee, her lawyers say - NBC News
Failed 'torturous' execution attempt on Christa Pike reignites death penalty debate
Female US inmate in critical condition after botched execution
Questions over botched lethal injection protocol after Tennessee’s failed execution of Christa Pike
Christa Pike ‘on a ventilator and unconscious’ after failed execution
How the the failed execution of Christa Pike unfolded
How Christa Pike's Failed Execution In US Played Out, Minute By Painful Minute
Christa Pike on a ventilator and unconscious after failed Tennessee execution, attorneys say
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in