US convicted murderer Christa Pike is currently in hospital and receiving "life-saving measures" after an attempt by Tennessee authorities to execute her by lethal injection failed. The 50-year-old was scheduled to be put to death on Wednesday evening.
Pike was administered two syringes of the drug pentobarbital. However, her legal team reported that these failed to stop her heartbeat, and she could still be heard snoring. The Tennessee Department of Correction has defended its method, stating that its protocol does not allow for additional procedures beyond what was carried out.
Authorities have not yet explained why the dosage proved non-fatal. Dr Joel Zivot, a medical expert for Pike's legal team, suggested she likely did not achieve a sufficient blood level of pentobarbital to cause apnoea and cardiovascular failure. Her health status remains unclear as of Thursday morning, and Dr Zivot noted a possible brain injury due to delayed resuscitation.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has ordered a third-party review into the incident. He also announced that the state's last remaining execution for the year will not proceed as planned.