Kristo Pike transferred to hospital after botched execution
11 october 2026 в 21:13
Krista Pike is currently «walking» around the hospital following two unsuccessful execution attempts, according to her legal team. Attorney Stephen Ferrell told the BBC on October 8 that the 50-year-old Pike is still in a state of «fog» after two lethal injections administered on September 30 in Tennessee, but she is now able to move around her room.
Ferrell noted that Pike’s physical condition is improving, although her hands are severely damaged, and she cannot use them actively. He added that she was able to walk «for the first time» around the room, but not very far.
Despite the improvement in her physical condition, the attorney reported that Pike’s mental state is «good and bad». «It's good that she’s fairly aware, but she’s also somewhat foggy. She easily loses her train of thought and forgets where she’s going», - Ferrell said.
Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of her classmate, Collin Slimmer, at the University of Tennessee. She committed the crime along with her then-boyfriend, Tadaril Shipp, who was a minor at the time of the crime and received a life sentence. Shipp may be eligible for parole but currently remains in custody after a denied appeal in October 2025.
Pike’s case gained attention following the botched execution. After the incident, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an investigation and canceled the remaining executions for the year. Lee also announced the upcoming resignation of Frank Strada, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections.
At a press conference on October 7, Pike’s attorneys stated that she is «very aware that the state tried to execute her». According to attorney Randy Spivey, she is «angry and confused» about what is happening. Spivey also reported that on Monday, October 5, Pike was considered «brain dead», - and the medical team planned to disconnect her from life support the following day, but she woke up and was able to speak limitedly.
Pike’s future is currently unclear, although her attorneys continue to fight for a change of her sentence to life imprisonment.
Ferrell noted that Pike’s physical condition is improving, although her hands are severely damaged, and she cannot use them actively. He added that she was able to walk «for the first time» around the room, but not very far.
Despite the improvement in her physical condition, the attorney reported that Pike’s mental state is «good and bad». «It's good that she’s fairly aware, but she’s also somewhat foggy. She easily loses her train of thought and forgets where she’s going», - Ferrell said.
Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for the murder of her classmate, Collin Slimmer, at the University of Tennessee. She committed the crime along with her then-boyfriend, Tadaril Shipp, who was a minor at the time of the crime and received a life sentence. Shipp may be eligible for parole but currently remains in custody after a denied appeal in October 2025.
Pike’s case gained attention following the botched execution. After the incident, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an investigation and canceled the remaining executions for the year. Lee also announced the upcoming resignation of Frank Strada, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections.
At a press conference on October 7, Pike’s attorneys stated that she is «very aware that the state tried to execute her». According to attorney Randy Spivey, she is «angry and confused» about what is happening. Spivey also reported that on Monday, October 5, Pike was considered «brain dead», - and the medical team planned to disconnect her from life support the following day, but she woke up and was able to speak limitedly.
Pike’s future is currently unclear, although her attorneys continue to fight for a change of her sentence to life imprisonment.
© Smirnova Olga
