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Yesterday
8m 58s

Christa Pike survived a botched executio...

SBS Audio
About this episode
Inside the failed execution attempt of a death row inmate in Tennessee that has thrown the state’s death penalty system into turmoil.

Christa Pike, who was facing death row for the murder of Colleen Slemmer, remains in critical condition, while executions have been halted in Tennessee. An independent review has also been ordered into how the procedure failed. The state says its protocol was followed, but lawyers and medical experts say repeated problems finding and maintaining IV access may help explain why Pike is still alive.

In this episode:
  • Witnesses recount what they saw at Christa Pike's failed execution.
  • Why was Christa Pike jailed and the first woman on death row in more than two centuries?
  • Inside the execution attempt.
  • Experts explain why the execution could have failed.
  • Colleen Slemmer’s mother, May Martinez speaks out.
  • How Tennessee's lethal injection system under fresh scrutiny.
  • Lawyers explain what could happen next.
SBS News in Depth is a news analysis podcast from SBS, going behind the headlines with reporting and interviews on the stories shaping Australia and the world.

Listen to more episodes of SBS News in Depth, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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