By Karim Hammam
US death row inmate Christa Pike has released her first public statement since surviving a botched execution in September, describing persistent physical and mental anguish. The 50-year-old was discharged from hospital at the end of last month after enduring two lethal injections of the drug pentobarbital, which left her in critical condition.
Statement describes ongoing pain
In a statement released by her legal team on social media Friday, Pike said she has not experienced a moment without pain since the night of the failed execution. "My body hurts. My arms hurt. My hands hurt. My throat hurts. I still struggle to speak. And the pain isn't just physical. There is pain in my mind and in my soul," she said.
Execution left inmate in critical condition
The September procedure involved two doses of pentobarbital but did not result in death. Pike remained hospitalized in critical condition before her release late last month. Her legal team shared the statement as this breaking news story continues to develop.
