Tennessee Governor Bill Lee Says Christa Pike's Death Sentence Stands
The governor indicated he will not commute Pike's sentence unless courts rule otherwise, following her survival of a lethal injection in September.
By Harper Laurent ·
Christa Pike took two full doses of lethal injection in September and survived. The failed execution in Tennessee was the second such incident in the state this year. Pike, who was sentenced to death for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer, was hospitalized for days after the procedure.
On Wednesday, Governor Bill Lee addressed the state's next steps. He was asked if the state would attempt another execution or if he would commute her sentence to life in prison. Lee stated that Pike remains incarcerated under state law. He said, "I suspect her sentence will be the same as before unless determined otherwise by the courts."
Pike has returned to prison after her hospital stay. She is currently able to speak in full sentences and walk on her own. Lee has paused all executions through the end of the year to determine what went wrong during Pike's attempt.
Frank Strada resigned as commissioner of the Department of Correction following the botched procedure. Lee said Strada will leave his post by the end of the month. The governor expects to announce a replacement within the next few days.
The pause in executions gives the state time to review the process. Lee's comments suggest the administrative path for Pike's sentence remains unchanged. The courts hold the power to alter that status quo.
