Christa Pike’s attempted execution in Tennessee took a shocking turn when the death row inmate appeared to realize something was seriously wrong with the lethal injection. Pike, 50, was scheduled to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years after being convicted in the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. On September 30, officials administered two doses of pentobarbital, but Pike remained alive and was reportedly breathing and making snoring sounds. During the procedure, witnesses said she complained that her arm felt as though it was about to burst and then asked whether what she was experiencing was normal. Her attorney, Randy Spivey, later said he noticed her arm turning purple, while her legal team reported serious problems involving the injection sites. Pike was ultimately taken by ambulance to an outside medical facility instead of leaving the prison after her execution.

The disturbing details have since emerged through witnesses and Pike’s lawyers. WKRN reporter Tori Gessner said the execution was unlike others she had witnessed, while another reporter described Pike continuing to breathe after both injections. Before the procedure, Pike had offered peaceful final words, saying she was leaving the world with love and was ready to be free. Tennessee officials maintained that the established execution protocol had been followed and that the drug used had previously been effective. Governor Bill Lee subsequently ordered executions in the state to be paused while the failed attempt was reviewed. Pike’s lawyers have alleged that problems with intravenous access and the administration of the drug contributed to the failure, claims that remain disputed. As of the latest reports, Pike remained in critical condition after the execution attempt.