The execution of Christa Pike

[RandomGuy99]

They could use one of those guns that they use to kill cattle.

[Adoniron]

i am sure a .50 cal to the back of the head and  they will know sod all about it. Cant see why people get hung up on it being instant or 100% pain free , how many victims get this ?  For sure death  itself is the punishment so yes get it done as quickly and as pain free as possible but that is not the same as 100% pain free. The US needs to sort its act out if its going to keep the death sentence as this is not the first time its gone horribly wrong , they cant carry on getting it so wrong.

The US Constitution prohibits "cruel and unusual punishments" so it needs to be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. The object is to end life, not to cause unnecessary pain or suffering in the process.

[bhudda]

I do see  lethal injection, as originally envisaged, as one of the least cruel but now no medical professional will insert the cannula and the pharmaceutical forms wont supply the drugs

If this is the case (and I've no reason to doubt it) it would be interesting to know what the qualifications are of whoever does do it, and may explain why they keep fucking it up. 

[daviemac]

If this is the case (and I've no reason to doubt it) it would be interesting to know what the qualifications are of whoever does do it, and may explain why they keep fucking it up.

You can do a course in the UK to become a phlebotomist that only takes a few weeks to become qualitied so no extensive medical training needed.

[Mr Garmin]

The Yanks do seem to specialise in cruel & unusual punishment as a way of terminating life.

It seems to me, with absolutely no knowledge at all, that asphyxiation would be one of the most humane ways of killing someone.

Portillo did a documentary where they put him in a barometric chamber and slowly evacuated the air.  He described a sensation of feeling sleepy and then passed out at which point they brought him back quickly.

Either that or carbon monoxide poisoning which has a similar effect without the person realising it's going on, even inducing euphoria in some apparently. 

[timsussex]

You can do a course in the UK to become a phlebotomist that only takes a few weeks to become qualitied so no extensive medical training needed.

while that is true it is also something that takes practice to perfect and also there is a need to do regularly to keep your hand in as it does rely a lot on "feel "
However the main difference is a practiced individual will do it quicker and  cause less distress - probably not too high a bar for an execution

Low pressure or increased levels of C02 or C0 might be a possibility and incidents (esp on the Continent where building regs arent so tight) suggests that faulty gas appliances leaking combustion products into the bedroom result in people just not waking up
This  would have the advantage of no real prisoner preparation other than a sealed cell and the prisoner could be moved there some days or even weeks before.
Which raises the question of would it be less cruel not to know when the sentence would be carried out ?

[Mr Garmin]

Which raises the question of would it be less cruel not to know when the sentence would be carried out ?

It seems to me that the anticipation is a big part of the punishment, often going on for many decades.

[Snagbadjer]

I'd have hanged her the same day she was found guilty.

[timsussex]

I'd have hanged her the same day she was found guilty.

you have a lot more faith in the American Justice system than I have !

While I have no doubt that some people deserve to die for criminal acts I dont have enough faith in UK system (let alone the American one) to correctly convict them 

[Mr Garmin]

you have a lot more faith in the American Justice system than I have !

While I have no doubt that some people deserve to die for criminal acts I dont have enough faith in UK system (let alone the American one) to correctly convict them

Would that include the likes of Ian Huntley?

[timsussex]

Would that include the likes of Ian Huntley?

he deserved to be hung drawn and quartered but unfortunately I also lived in Guildford when the Four were fitted up (and remember the  Birmingham six) and all ten of them would have been strung up 

Better nine guilty men go free than one innocent man be convicted and while you can never truly compensate someone wrongly convicted a death penalty is so final
 

[Watts.E.Dunn]

You can do a course in the UK to become a phlebotomist that only takes a few weeks to become qualitied so no extensive medical training needed.

Indeed, and some nurses and medics are quite good at that, but sometimes in my case I've got hardly veins that are accessible and its a sod sometimes getting a catheter that works..

Maybe not that much of a surprise with Ms Pike seems, the drug splayed out under her skin.

Best they can do what old England did back in 1965 abolish the death penalty the present system of life means  life works well..

[Snagbadjer]

Canulation is quite easy once you have the knack. But when it's hard, it's really hard. It's usually old ladies with very low BP that are difficult to find a vein, and they can have vasospams too. That's why in the case of this demon, you'd just hang her. I'd also be happy to do her the same way she did her victim.

[DastardlyDick]

Canulation is quite easy once you have the knack. But when it's hard, it's really hard. It's usually old ladies with very low BP that are difficult to find a vein, and they can have vasospams too. That's why in the case of this demon, you'd just hang her. I'd also be happy to do her the same way she did her victim.

It reportedly took them 7 attempts and over an hour during which they bent at least one canula. If you must execute people for crimes they have committed, at least try and get it right.

[Doc Holliday]

Canulation is quite easy once you have the knack. But when it's hard, it's really hard.

Exactly this and I gather it was known in advance that she would be difficult.

Re Phlebotomists ... they are trained at venous access to draw blood, and due to the high volume of their work, most will become highly proficient, but they are not normally trained in inserting a cannula for delivering drugs into the bloodstream. Blood will normally flow under pressure readily from the body, but the other way round and against that pressure is a different ball game.

They can of course train themselves, but they will never gain the experience and competence that other healthcare professionals will .. be it a paramedic through to a Consultant Anaesthetist.

I understand there is a legal loophole of sorts in US and some of the execution team tasked with venous access are phlebotomists? Far from ideal.

[RandomGuy99]

Couldn't you get doctors who are in prison for murder to execute them?

Give them a year off their sentence for each person they execute.

[Doc Holliday]

Couldn't you get doctors who are in prison for murder to execute them?

Give them a year off their sentence for each person they execute.

External Link/Members Only

Most doctors and other healthcare workers, have very little current experience of cannulation. The process itself is not complicated to learn, but competence with a wide variety of patients in particular the difficult ones is another matter.

All hospitals have an 'escalatory'  procedure in place to deal with a range of the difficulties encountered and personnel best placed to deal with it.

[RandomGuy99]

External Link/Members Only

Most doctors and other healthcare workers, have very little current experience of cannulation. The process itself is not complicated to learn, but competence with a wide variety of patients in particular the difficult ones is another matter.

All hospitals have an 'escalatory'  procedure in place to deal with a range of the difficulties encountered and personnel best placed to deal with it.

Get them to practice on inmates

[daviemac]

External Link/Members Only

Most doctors and other healthcare workers, have very little current experience of cannulation. The process itself is not complicated to learn, but competence with a wide variety of patients in particular the difficult ones is another matter.

All hospitals have an 'escalatory'  procedure in place to deal with a range of the difficulties encountered and personnel best placed to deal with it.

I have blood tests at least once a year and the difference in the level on competency varies enormously, even when it's the same nurse that did it the last time so being consistent isn't as straight forward as some might think.

[Mr Garmin]

The last time I had blood drawn the system was brilliant.  Told by doc to just go to the hospital anytime and they would know.  Turned up, took a ticket, was sat for 2 minutes before being called in, 3 minutes in the booth and done (I have great veins). Literally in and out in 10 minutes.

The phlebotomist was unbelievably sexy as well and I was thinking she could probably charge the same for an hour as an escort as she got for a day in the NHS.

[catweazle]

As I understand things, the failure to complete thd execution does not vacate the execution warrant.  There's an incorrect  belief that if an execution fails, the inmate is granted a commutation to life imprisonment. There are several instances where at some point in the future the sentence is eventually  carried out following a botched attempt.

[Doc Holliday]

As I understand things, the failure to complete thd execution does not vacate the execution warrant.  There's an incorrect  belief that if an execution fails, the inmate is granted a commutation to life imprisonment. There are several instances where at some point in the future the sentence is eventually  carried out following a botched attempt.

Yes I was wrong to make that assumption earlier 

[Doc Holliday]

I have blood tests at least once a year and the difference in the level on competency varies enormously, even when it's the same nurse that did it the last time so being consistent isn't as straight forward as some might think.

I had a CT scan with contrast dye by IV infusion. It was carried out at a mobile scanner in a car park at a Health Centre. A patient emerged back into the waiting room with an accompanying HCA.

There was a conversation between them along the lines of "very sorry we couldn't do your scan. This problem does sometimes happen. We will arrange for you to have it done at Hospital"

I noticed he had gauze dressing and tape on the back of both hands and on the elbow (antecubital fossa) on one arm.

The HCA then called out "Mr Holliday would you like to come through now"   

[Colston36]

The minutes tick by. Execution to be carried out at around 3pm (GMT)

Pikes (then) bf was 17 when he helped with the murder. He is due to be considered for a parole hearing in 2031.

Pikes friend Shadolla Peterson was 18 at the time of the murder and she acted as lookout when the torture and death took place. She provided evidence against the other two during trial………. The American system of plea bargaining. It got her only a year in jail. 🤷🏼

She assisted in the murder of an innocent young girl but gets to walk away with only a year in jail. She has lived in anonymity ever since.
American justice systems at work. 🤷🏼

The American justice system is a charade. The US lacks many of the aspects of civilisation, starting with not electing convicted criminals President and not having free medical treatment but allowing any clown to have and use a gun.

[Snagbadjer]

It reportedly took them 7 attempts and over an hour during which they bent at least one canula. If you must execute people for crimes they have committed, at least try and get it right.

Apparently she had some kind of blood disorder which can affect the access to a vein. They'll have known that but still failed to get it right. That's why I'd favour a rope or two in the back of her head. I'd even let her have a female executioner like she wanted.

[Snagbadjer]

Couldn't you get doctors who are in prison for murder to execute them?

Give them a year off their sentence for each person they execute.

No need. Two in the back of her head would be quicker and efficient. Even the prison janitor could get that one right.

[Snagbadjer]

The American justice system is a charade. The US lacks many of the aspects of civilisation, starting with not electing convicted criminals President and not having free medical treatment but allowing any clown to have and use a gun.

Sounds like you have a humongous chip on your shoulder about America. And there is no medical treatment in the world - free or not free - that can cure the debilitating disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.

[DastardlyDick]

Apparently she had some kind of blood disorder which can affect the access to a vein. They'll have known that but still failed to get it right. That's why I'd favour a rope or two in the back of her head. I'd even let her have a female executioner like she wanted.

Tennessee has the option of the,Electric Chair available to it..

[Stevelondon]

Sounds like you have a humongous chip on your shoulder about America. And there is no medical treatment in the world - free or not free - that can cure the debilitating disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.

I doubt very much the Colston suffers from any such syndrome………. If that is what you are inferring.

He makes real and very valid points which I agree with whole heartedly.

The U S of A is a strange country. Paradoxically civilised and yet so backward.

[threechilliman]

I doubt very much the Colston suffers from any such syndrome………. If that is what you are inferring.

He makes real and very valid points which I agree with whole heartedly.

The U S of A is a strange country. Paradoxically civilised and yet so backward.

An accurate summary in my experience.

[Stevelondon]

I think the latest reports on her condition is that she is still on a ventilator, still seriously ill…….. still under guard.
Her attorney (or one of them) says he has not been allowed in to see her.

I take back way I said…….. a civilised country.
No fucking way.

[DastardlyDick]

I think the latest reports on her condition is that she is still on a ventilator, still seriously ill…….. still under guard.
Her attorney (or one of them) says he has not been allowed in to see her.

I take back way I said…….. a civilised country.
No fucking way.

There are reports out that claim the State of Tennessee is in a bit of a legal bind now - they can't change the method of execution without changing State Law (they also have the Electric Chair) and there is some doubt as to whether she'll be mentally fit for another try at execution as their Law demands that the prisoner has to know what is going to happen to them. Commuting her sentence to Life Imprisonment will cost the State a fortune - the average cost for a stay in ICU being around USD 4300 per day - which they won't like.

[DastardlyDick]

Would that include the likes of Ian Huntley?

I actually think Life in prison is a better sentence for people like him - having to live in a permanent state of fear, knowing that any day could be your last.

[DastardlyDick]

The BBC are reporting that she's regained consciousness and is speaking.

[Stevelondon]

The BBC are reporting that she's regained consciousness and is speaking.

Political and Systemic Fallout

The failed execution has triggered significant political repercussions within the state of Tennessee:
• Resignation: Frank Strada, the commissioner of Tennessee's Department of Correction, announced his resignation effective October 2026. His departure comes amid intense criticism regarding his oversight of multiple problematic executions.

• Independent Investigation: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent, third-party review to investigate the operational failures of the state's execution protocols. All state executions have been put on a temporary hold while the inquiry is conducted.

• Legal Battles: Legal analysts note that Pike's defense team is actively fighting a second execution attempt, likely leveraging arguments under the Eighth Amendment regarding cruel and unusual punishment.



You have to love that sentence. Executions are on hold ………. Until those civilised Americans can come up with yet another way to kill people.
You’d think a country that has an awful lot of folk being killed by firearms every day………. Would have a fair idea of what would work best 

[DastardlyDick]

Political and Systemic Fallout

The failed execution has triggered significant political repercussions within the state of Tennessee:
• Resignation: Frank Strada, the commissioner of Tennessee's Department of Correction, announced his resignation effective October 2026. His departure comes amid intense criticism regarding his oversight of multiple problematic executions.

• Independent Investigation: Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent, third-party review to investigate the operational failures of the state's execution protocols. All state executions have been put on a temporary hold while the inquiry is conducted.

• Legal Battles: Legal analysts note that Pike's defense team is actively fighting a second execution attempt, likely leveraging arguments under the Eighth Amendment regarding cruel and unusual punishment.



You have to love that sentence. Executions are on hold ………. Until those civilised Americans can come up with yet another way to kill people.
You’d think a country that has an awful lot of folk being killed by firearms every day………. Would have a fair idea of what would work best 

I find it ironic that a Country which is so precious about owning firearms as the US is, makes little use of them for it's judicial killing.
It's quick, so will meet the provision about "cruel" in the Constitution, and could hardly be called "unusual", is pretty much unsurvivable, and they don't have to rely on foreign companies to supply the wherewithal.

[Watts.E.Dunn]

Anyone here volunteering to shoot her then?..

[WASA38]

Anyone here volunteering to shoot her then?..

Good question Watts.

But to judge from his posts I guess @snagbadjer should.

[Mr Garmin]

  I'd have been very happy to volunteer to pull the lever on Huntly.  I wouldn't have given it a second thought.

[Snagbadjer]

Good question Watts.

But to judge from his posts I guess @snagbadjer should.

What's the matter, you squeamish?

[WASA38]

What's the matter, you squeamish?

Just not in favour of capital punishment. Have in Britain in my lifetime seen too many examples of the execution of human beings that have been either totally innocent  (Timothy Evans and Mahmood Mattan) or where, like in the case of Christa Pike, there have been substantial mitigating circumstances.. That's not to mention 203 sentenced to death but subsequently exonerated in the US since 1973 !

I could however be persuaded to make exceptions for 100. oo% guilty monsters like Huntley, Fred West and the moors murderers and could pull the lever or trigger for them.

[Stevelondon]

Just not in favour of capital punishment. Have in Britain in my lifetime seen too many examples of the execution of human beings that have been either totally innocent  (Timothy Evans and Mahmood Mattan) or where, like in the case of Christa Pike, there have been substantial mitigating circumstances.. That's not to mention 203 sentenced to death but subsequently exonerated in the US since 1973 !

I could however be persuaded to make exceptions for 100. oo% guilty monsters like Huntley, Fred West and the moors murderers and could pull the lever or trigger for them.

👍🏻

[berksboy]

Anyone here volunteering to shoot her then?..

  I don't think they will have any problem finding volunteers in the USA , probably from local police.

[Snagbadjer]

Just not in favour of capital punishment. Have in Britain in my lifetime seen too many examples of the execution of human beings that have been either totally innocent  (Timothy Evans and Mahmood Mattan) or where, like in the case of Christa Pike, there have been substantial mitigating circumstances.. That's not to mention 203 sentenced to death but subsequently exonerated in the US since 1973 !

I could however be persuaded to make exceptions for 100. oo% guilty monsters like Huntley, Fred West and the moors murderers and could pull the lever or trigger for them.

So it's not the squeamishness of executing a killer that bothers you, but the risk of executing an innocent person or wrongly convicted murderer. Makes sense . . at first. But then you have cases like Axelkabana where there is literally zero doubt he committed the crime. So no opportunity for the "we got the wrong guy" argument there. So how is this witch any different? Is it that she's a woman that bothers you? Keep in mind what she did to her innocent victim and (God forbid) if that had been your daughter or relative.

[Snagbadjer]

I'd have been very happy to volunteer to pull the lever on Huntly.  I wouldn't have given it a second thought.

Would you be happy to pull the lever on the witch Pike?

[DastardlyDick]

They are planning to live stream the execution by Firing Squad of Nidal Hassan on 3 December - even survivors of his attack at Fort Hood in 2009 are against it being televised.

[timsussex]

So it's not the squeamishness of executing a killer that bothers you, but the risk of executing an innocent person or wrongly convicted murderer. Makes sense . . at first. But then you have cases like Axelkabana where there is literally zero doubt he committed the crime. So no opportunity for the "we got the wrong guy" argument there. So how is this witch any different? Is it that she's a woman that bothers you? Keep in mind what she did to her innocent victim and (God forbid) if that had been your daughter or relative.

As I previously posted I know that so many killers deserve the death penalty or worse - I just don't have sufficient confidence in our police& judicial system
I lived near Guildford at the time of the IRA bombing and can assure you that 99% of the population wanted the 4 & the Birmingham 6  strung up
I also lived in Saudi where it was claimed the death sentence was only applied to those that had freely confessed in court - I leave you to consider what persuaded them to confess - and I can assure you it wasn't their conscience

[WASA38]

Deleted

[WASA38]

So it's not the squeamishness of executing a killer that bothers you, but the risk of executing an innocent person or wrongly convicted murderer. Makes sense . . at first. But then you have cases like Axelkabana where there is literally zero doubt he committed the crime. So no opportunity for the "we got the wrong guy" argument there. So how is this witch any different? Is it that she's a woman that bothers you? Keep in mind what she did to her innocent victim and (God forbid) if that had been your daughter or relative.

No extenuating circumstances in the case of Axelkabana. Born evil. World would be a better place without him. So yes, could pull the lever for him too.

[Mr Garmin]

Would you be happy to pull the lever on the witch Pike?

Yep