Tennessee State suspends executions in 2026 after Christa Pike case

“ Caprir the legally imposed sentences is among the most important responsibilities of the state, and the people of Tennessee expect this to be done not only in a legal and constitutional way, but also effectively,” Lee said in a statement released by the local media.

The governor requested an “exhaustive” investigation into Pike’s failed execution and suspended the remaining executions that were planned for this year in the state.

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the execution of Gary Wayne Sutton was scheduled in Tennessee on December 3rd.

Christa Pike survived two lethal doses of pentobarbital during his execution this Wednesday and is receiving medical treatment, without lawyers being aware of his state of health.

Pike spent nearly three decades on death row in Tennessee, after being sentenced to death in 1996 for murder, and would become the first woman executed in this state in 200 years.

The Supreme Court raised, later this Wednesday, a suspension of execution decreed hours earlier by a federal court of appeal, opening again the way for the state to apply the capital penalty.

Witnesses were able to hear Pike’s breath for almost an hour after he received the injections before being forced to leave the site in an episode for which, according to the journalists present, Tennessee protocol does not seem to establish what should be done.

The witnesses, including journalists from various American media outlets, described a much longer procedure than expected.

Pike remained awake, spoke and sang with the spiritual guide after the start of the drug administration and, after the first dose, continued to move and breathe audibly.

Journalist Catherine Sweeney of the WPLN station explained that Tennessee protocol provides for a first administration of pentobarbital and, if necessary, a second dose.

The witnesses indicated that, after these two moments, Pike continued to breathe and sound, including loud snoring, as well as performing movements with his head and neck.