Tennessee's governor has ordered a halt to executions after what is described as a failed attempt to execute Christa Pike, 50, on Wednesday. Witnesses reported Pike snoring loudly approximately 40 minutes after receiving two injections of pentobarbital. She was subsequently taken to a medical facility, and her condition is currently unknown.
This incident marks the second reported botched execution in Tennessee within months. Pike was convicted for the murder of classmate Colleen Slemmer when Pike was 18.
Lethal injection was introduced as an alternative to methods such as firing squads and electric chairs. However, analysis of autopsy results has reportedly provided evidence suggesting that suffering is inherent in lethal injections, with paralytic drugs potentially disguising it.
Globally, three-quarters of countries have abolished capital punishment. In 2025, the US recorded the highest number of executions in 16 years. Despite this, public support for capital punishment in America has reportedly declined, falling from 80% in 1994 to 52% last year.