US Supreme Court sides with Tennessee to allow its first execution of a woman in 200 years
The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for Tennessee to execute Christa Pike, the first woman to face the death penalty in the state in 200 years. Pike was convicted of a murder committed when she was 18, and the court's decision overrides a previous stay of execution.
Why it matters
This case raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding capital punishment, particularly concerning crimes committed by teenagers and the consideration of childhood trauma.
Death row inmate Christa Pike, held at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI) in Tennessee and convicted of murdering a schoolmate three decades ago, who is due to be executed by lethal injection on Sep 30, 2026, is shown in this 2023 Tennessee Department of Correction booking photograph. (File photo: Tennessee Department of Correction via Reuters)
WASHINGTON: The United States Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday (Sep 30) that Tennessee could proceed with its first execution of a woman in 200 years, clearing the way for Christa Pike to be put to death by lethal injection for murdering a schoolmate as an 18-year-old three decades ago.
The Tennessee Department of Correction said in a statement to Reuters afterwards that it planned "to move forward with the execution today".
Also covering this story
11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
U.S. Supreme Court clears way for Tennessee woman's imminent execution
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
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Tennessee To Execute First Woman In 200 Years: Inside Christa Pike Case
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Christa Pike seeks firing squad, not lethal injection: Inside US executions - Al Jazeera
Tennessee to execute woman for first time in two centuries
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