Marsha Blackburn’s win may affect Christa Pike’s execution fate
Christa Pike survived a botched lethal injection on September 30. The 50-year-old received two doses of pentobarbital that left her hospitalized with swollen and bruised arms. She was set to become the first woman executed in the state in over 200 years, but her future may now be sealed after Marsha Blackburn won the governor’s race in Tennessee on Tuesday, replacing outgoing Governor Bill Lee.
Governor Lee had paused all executions in the state through the rest of the year while an investigation is underway following the botched lethal injection. Pike was initially on a ventilator and not expected to live, though her lawyers later stated she woke up and began walking and talking with assistance. Pike has been on death row for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer.
Blackburn Supports Death Penalty Despite Botched Execution
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn faced off against Democrat Jerri Green in the closely watched race. In October, Blackburn stated that Pike’s unsuccessful execution should not be grounds to halt carrying out the death penalty,
adding that the state needs to reevaluate its execution methods. Top legislative leaders also spoke with Blackburn about possible changes to execution laws, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton noting that officials want to broaden methods and that no method is off the table.
Conversely, Green called the botched execution a tragedy for the victim’s family, whose pain was compounded by state failure. Green criticized Blackburn’s response, characterizing her position as calling for more cruelty and bringing back the electric chair.
Execution Methods Under Review
Blackburn argued that the state must find a way to carry out executions successfully, whether through lethal injection or the electric chair. Meanwhile, the pause on state executions initiated by Governor Lee remains in effect through the end of the year while investigations and discussions among lawmakers regarding execution laws continue.