Kristo Pike hospitalized in critical condition after botched execution
3 october 2026 в 09:02
Krista Pike’s attorney, who was sentenced to death in Tennessee, reported that she is in an unconscious state and connected to a ventilator following a botched execution attempt that occurred on September 30.
According to the attorneys, they filed an emergency motion in Davidson County court requesting that all potential evidence related to the failed execution be preserved. The motion states that both of Pike’s arms were «swollen, burned, and blistered» upon her arrival at the hospital. Doctors are working to remove pentobarbital from her system, which she received during the lethal injection attempt.
The attorneys noted that pentobarbital is a «caustic» substance that causes burns upon contact with skin and tissues. They also reported that Pike’s condition is critical, and she is receiving life support in the hospital.
Krista Pike, 50, was sentenced to death for the murder of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in 1995. The execution attempt lasted over an hour as the executioners were unable to successfully administer the injections. Witnesses claim that Pike expressed pain during the procedure and attempted to assist the executioners in finding a vein for the injections.
Attorney Stephen Ferrell stated that they do not know what damage may have been caused to her brain due to the administration of the poison and possible hypoxia. He added that Pike had come to terms with the possibility of her death but was afraid that the process would be painful due to her blood disorder.
According to the attorneys, they filed an emergency motion in Davidson County court requesting that all potential evidence related to the failed execution be preserved. The motion states that both of Pike’s arms were «swollen, burned, and blistered» upon her arrival at the hospital. Doctors are working to remove pentobarbital from her system, which she received during the lethal injection attempt.
The attorneys noted that pentobarbital is a «caustic» substance that causes burns upon contact with skin and tissues. They also reported that Pike’s condition is critical, and she is receiving life support in the hospital.
Krista Pike, 50, was sentenced to death for the murder of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in 1995. The execution attempt lasted over an hour as the executioners were unable to successfully administer the injections. Witnesses claim that Pike expressed pain during the procedure and attempted to assist the executioners in finding a vein for the injections.
Attorney Stephen Ferrell stated that they do not know what damage may have been caused to her brain due to the administration of the poison and possible hypoxia. He added that Pike had come to terms with the possibility of her death but was afraid that the process would be painful due to her blood disorder.
© Smirnova Olga
