What happened during Christa Pike's failed execution
By Catherine Sweeney · Oct 6, 2026Read on npr.org
Article Context
Tennessee's attempt to execute Christa Pike on Sept. 30 failed when lethal injection drugs did not enter her veins properly. Media witnesses, including the author, observed Pike speaking and burning after drugs were administered, followed by a second round of drugs that also failed to kill her. She remains hospitalized in critical condition, and Gov. Bill Lee has paused lethal injections for the rest of the year. Pike's future and that of lethal injection in Tennessee are uncertain.
