Episode Details

Tennessee’s Supreme Court is launching a critical investigation into Christa Pike’s upcoming execution — set for September 30 — as her legal team argues the state’s lethal injection protocol could re-traumatize her due to a history of severe sexual abuse. Moving her to a male prison and having an all-male team handle her final transfer and gurney strapping is deemed cruel and potentially unconstitutional. The court has appointed a special master to examine whether this violates her rights and whether her blood disorder — which causes clotting and complicates injections — puts her at risk of cruel and unusual punishment. Pike, convicted of murdering a classmate at 18 in 1996, also battles developmental issues and bipolar disorder. This probe follows a botched execution earlier this year, despite the governor’s claim the state acted properly. Pike’s execution is the third scheduled for 2024, with another inmate, Darrell Hines, set for August 13.

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