Krista Pike, a 50-year-old American woman, is in critical condition in hospital after a failed execution attempt in the US state of Tennessee. Pike was given two lethal injections of pentobarbital but survived and was taken to hospital in an ambulance. Her lawyers have now called for her death sentence to be commuted. Pike was convicted of murdering 19-year-old Colleen Slymer in 1995.
Pike's execution was attempted on Wednesday, but the process was marred by difficulties. Her lawyers described the scene as chaotic and secretive. According to her lawyer, Randy Spevi, the execution team struggled to insert an IV line into Pike's arm, with at least seven needles used. Spevi said that Pike complained of pain, saying "my arm is going to explode".
The failed execution attempt has sparked widespread controversy and raised questions about the use of the death penalty in the US. US President Donald Trump commented on the incident, saying "it shouldn't be that hard". Pike's lawyers have described the ordeal as "unnecessary suffering" and a violation of her rights.
Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of Colleen Slymer, which occurred when Pike was 18 years old. Her co-defendant, Tadarrel Ship, was given a life sentence and is still serving his time in prison. Pike's lawyers have argued that she was a victim of circumstance and that her death sentence should be commuted.
The governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee, has ordered an independent review of the execution attempt. Lee said that the investigation would be "thorough" and that it would take time. The review is expected to examine the procedures used during the execution attempt and whether they followed protocol.
The incident has also sparked debate about the use of the death penalty in the US. Some politicians, including Senator Marsha Blackburn, have called for a return to the electric chair, while others, including Democratic candidate for governor, Jerry Green, have argued that the death penalty should be abolished.
This is the second time this year that a Tennessee execution attempt has failed. In May, the execution of Tony Carothers was delayed after prison officials were unable to find a suitable vein for the lethal injection. Pike's lawyers are now exploring her options for appeal, with Spevi saying that they would "take the time to consider what Krista wants to do".
Key points
- Krista Pike, 50, was given two lethal injections but survived and is now in critical condition in hospital.
- The failed execution attempt has sparked controversy and raised questions about the use of the death penalty in the US.
- The governor of Tennessee has ordered an independent review of the execution attempt.
