Christa Pike unconscious, on a ventilator after botched execution, attorneys say

Updated on: October 2, 2026 / 3:49 PM EDT / CBS News

Christa Pike unconscious, on a ventilator after botched execution, attorneys say

TL;DR

  • Christa Pike is critically ill, unconscious, and on a ventilator following a botched execution attempt in Tennessee.
  • Her attorneys are seeking to preserve evidence, alleging the execution team used at least seven needles and struggled to find veins.
  • Pike informed the state of a blood condition and history of IV placement difficulties, which her lawyers claim were ignored.
  • The botched execution resulted in injuries to Pike's arms, including swelling, burns, and blisters, potentially from leaked pentobarbital.
  • Pike's attorneys called the execution 'cruel,' 'torturous,' and 'predictable,' and have called for her sentence to be commuted.
  • Tennessee's governor has halted further executions for the year and ordered a review of the incident.