Tennessee woman’s execution halted after lethal injection fails
The execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee was halted after the lethal injection procedure failed to result in death. Witnesses reported that the inmate remained conscious and breathing after the administration of the drugs.
Why it matters
This incident adds to the ongoing national debate in the United States regarding the ethics and efficacy of capital punishment and lethal injection protocols.
The execution of a woman in Tennessee, U.S., on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) seemed to have failed, with witnesses and Christa Pike’s attorney telling local media the convicted murderer was still breathing and audibly snoring after being given lethal injection.
Published - October 01, 2026 01:46 pm IST
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Also covering this story
10 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Court halts Tennessee’s first execution of a woman in 200 years
U.S. appeals court halts Tennessee execution of Christa Pike
Execution of US murderer Christa Pike halted shortly before it was due to happen
Execution of US murderer Christa Pike halted an hour before it was due to happen
US appeals court pauses execution of Tennessee killer Christa Pike, one hour before it was due to take place
Tennessee governor halts executions after Christa Gail Pike survives lethal injection
Tennessee To Execute First Woman In 200 Years: Inside Christa Pike Case
What to know about Christa Pike, first woman to be executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years
Tennessee to execute a woman for first time in over 200 years
As Tennessee execution nears, Christa Pike case highlights the few women on death row - WESH
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