Christa Pike has handcuffs removed in hospital after botched execution — but is not ‘escape risk,’ lawyer claims

Christa Pike, the first person known to have survived a lethal injection execution attempt in the US, is recovering in a Tennessee hospital. Following two doses of pentobarbital on September 30, Pike was initially in critical condition but has since regained movement and the ability to walk with assistance. Her legal team reported that her handcuffs were removed while she remains shackled to the bed under armed guard. A judge has ordered the preservation of all evidence from the execution chamber, and Governor Bill Lee has paused all state executions for the remainder of the year pending an independent review.

Christa Pike, the first person known to have survived a lethal injection execution attempt in the US, is recovering in a Tennessee hospital. Following two doses of pentobarbital on September 30, Pike was initially in critical condition but has since regained movement and the ability to walk with assistance. Her legal team reported that her handcuffs were removed while she remains shackled to the bed under armed guard. A judge has ordered the preservation of all evidence from the execution chamber, and Governor Bill Lee has paused all state executions for the remainder of the year pending an independent review.