Tennessee to Execute First Woman in 200 Years: The Christa Pike Case

Tennessee will execute a woman for the first time in over two centuries. The state Supreme Court set an execution date for Christa Gail Pike. She is scheduled to die by lethal injection on September 30, 2026. Pike is the only woman currently on Tennessee’s death row.

This decision follows decades of legal appeals. According to USA Today, the execution would be a historic event for the state.

The Details of a Brutal Crime

Christa Pike was 18 years old when she committed murder. The crime occurred in 1995 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Pike, along with two accomplices, lured her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, into the woods.

The attack was exceptionally brutal. Slemmer was slashed, beaten, and tortured for 30 minutes. A pentagram was carved into her chest before Pike killed her by smashing a piece of asphalt into her head.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments

Pike was arrested less than three days after the murder. She had kept a piece of her victim’s skull as a trophy. A court found her guilty of first-degree murder in 1996 and sentenced her to death.

Her legal team is now arguing against the execution. They state Pike suffered extensive physical and sexual abuse as a child. They also say she was diagnosed with bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders years after her conviction.

Her attorneys contend she has shown deep remorse. They believe her sentence should be commuted to life without parole. They highlight that she spent 27 years in effective solitary confinement.

The scheduled execution of Christa Pike marks a profound moment in Tennessee’s judicial history. This case continues to fuel the debate surrounding capital punishment and mental health considerations.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Christa Pike’s victim?

Colleen Slemmer was a 19-year-old student. She and Pike were both enrolled at the Knoxville Job Corps, a career-training program. The murder was motivated by a perceived romantic rivalry.

What was the motive for the killing?

Pike believed Slemmer was trying to steal her boyfriend. This jealousy led her to plan the attack. She lured Slemmer under the false pretense of a peace offering.

How long has Christa Pike been on death row?

Christa Pike has been on death row since 1996. She was convicted and sentenced that same year. She has been incarcerated for nearly three decades.

When was the last woman executed in Tennessee?

The last woman executed in Tennessee was over 200 years ago. The state has not carried out an execution of a female inmate in modern history. This makes Pike’s scheduled execution a significant event.

What are her attorneys arguing now?

They point to her traumatic childhood and undiagnosed mental illness at the time of the crime. They argue these factors were not fully considered during her trial. They are seeking a sentence of life in prison without parole.