By Sohaib Shams
Tennessee death row inmate Christa Pike has broken her silence for the first time since surviving a botched execution attempt on September 30. The 50-year-old released a lengthy statement Friday to WBIR in Knoxville, as dictated to her attorney.
Failed execution at Riverbend prison
Pike received two doses of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital during the procedure at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution. She described walking into the execution chamber prepared to die and having made peace with loved ones and witnesses.
Waking up in hospital
Several days later, Pike said she woke up alone in a hospital, confused and in pain. She reported persistent physical pain in her body, arms, hands, and throat, along with difficulty speaking. She also described mental and spiritual suffering since the failed attempt.
