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Tennessee scheduled execution for Christa Pike faces last-minute clemency petition

Christa Pike faces a scheduled execution in Tennessee for a 1995 murder, according to BBC News.

Updated Sep 27, 2026 · 00:09 UTC1 reports

The short version

Christa Pike is scheduled for execution on 30 September for participating in the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer.[BBC News]
If carried out, she will become the first woman executed in Tennessee in over 200 years.[BBC News]
Her defense team filed a 226-page clemency petition citing severe childhood abuse and a 2021 bipolar diagnosis.[BBC News]
The victim's mother and a victim rights group advocate for the execution to proceed as scheduled.[BBC News]

Key facts

Christa Pike was convicted in 1996 for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer.[BBC News]
If executed on 30 September, Pike would be the first woman executed in Tennessee in over 200 years.[BBC News]
Pike's defense team filed a 226-page clemency petition detailing extensive childhood sexual abuse and a prison diagnosis of bipolar disorder.[BBC News]
UN human rights experts have urged authorities to halt the execution.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

Whether Governor Bill Lee will grant clemency before the scheduled execution date.[BBC News]
Whether the state will grant Pike's request for an all-female team during execution procedures.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

Christa Pike to be first woman executed in Tennessee in 200 years - but her defence say she's a victim tooBBC News - Top Stories