Tennessee governor expects death row inmate to remain under original sentence

Nashville resident Christa Pike remains in custody under her original death sentence, according to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. Speaking Wednesday, Lee stated he does not intend to commute the 1995 murder conviction to life in prison unless a court directs the state to change it.

Pike was convicted of killing Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Her scheduled execution took place in September, but the procedure failed to end her life. She survived two doses of the lethal injection drug. After spending several days in a hospital, she has returned to prison. Medical staff report she can now speak in full sentences and walk unassisted.

The state has paused all executions until the end of the year. Lee said this break allows officials to investigate the mechanics of the failed procedure. The incident marked the second botched execution in Tennessee this year.

Frank Strada, the commissioner of the Department of Correction, resigned in the wake of the event. Lee confirmed Strada will step down by the end of October. The governor expects to name a replacement within the next few days.

When asked if the state would attempt to execute Pike again, Lee did not give a direct answer. He emphasized that she is still incarcerated under current state laws. His comments suggest the decision to proceed or halt will rest with the judiciary rather than the executive branch.