Tennessee Tried to Execute Christa Pike. She Survived.

Send us Fan Mail Tennessee tried to execute Christa Pike. The lethal injection began. The drugs were administered. Then something went wrong. Instead of leaving Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in a hearse, Pike left in an ambulance, alive. But this episode isn’t only about what happened inside Tennessee’s execution chamber. It’s about a state that had already failed to carry out another execution just five months earlier. It’s about what happens when the government claims the power to deliberately take a human life but cannot carry out that sentence as intended. And it’s about Colleen Slemmer, the 19 year old woman Pike was convicted of murdering, whose family had waited more than 30 years for the sentence to be carried out. The Death Penalty I’ve been fascinated by capital punishment for most of my life, and I’m not opposed to the death penalty. But what happened at Riverbend raises questions that go well beyond whether you support it or oppose it. What actually happened that night? How could someone survive after the execution drugs were administered? And what does Tennessee do now? This is the extraordinary story of an execution that was supposed to be final. And wasn’t. Enjoying the podcast? Buy this Aussie a coffee! From Down Under to Down South is an independent project, sharing an Australian's perspective on American life, culture and all the little things that make this country fascinating. If you've enjoyed an episode, had a laugh or found yourself looking at America a little differently, you can help keep the podcast going by shouting me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue creating new episodes, videos and stories. It's completely optional, but genuinely appreciated. Buy Me a Coffee – Support the Show Thanks for being part of the journey! Find me elsewhere YouTube | Website | Facebook | X Business enquiries: [email protected] Thanks for listening. Hoo roo, maties!  Support the show Check out additional content on our YouTube page! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjipgN51kc8swHyKeSx2tzw