US News
Lawyer says Tennessee IV team doubted vein before failed Pike execution
A declaration by Christa Pike's attorney describes repeated IV doubts during the Sept. 30 attempt, which Pike survived.
The short version
- Christa Pike's lawyer, Randy Spivey, released a declaration describing the failed September 30 execution attempt in Tennessee.[The Guardian]
- According to the filing, the Tennessee execution team repeatedly warned that Pike's vein might be blowing before proceeding.[The Guardian]
- Team members used up to 10 needles trying to establish an IV line, and Pike survived after receiving pentobarbital.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
- The account comes from Pike's attorney, so its details are his account rather than established fact.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Tennessee execution team members used up to 10 needles while trying to establish an intravenous line for Christa Pike.[The Guardian]
- Christa Pike, 50, survived the September 30 execution attempt and was hospitalized after receiving pentobarbital.[Associated Press]
- Attorney Randy Spivey released a minute-by-minute declaration about the execution attempt as part of separate legal proceedings.[The Guardian]
- According to Spivey's account, the execution team repeatedly warned that Pike's vein might be blowing before proceeding.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The warnings about the vein come from Spivey's declaration and have not been independently confirmed in the reporting reviewed.[Associated Press · The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Christa Pike’s IV team warned vein might be ‘blowing’ before failed executionThe Guardian - US
- Execution staff warned IV site might have ‘blown’ during Christa Pike’s execution attemptAssociated Press · Wire: associated-press
- Execution staff warned IV site might have 'blown' during Christa Pike's execution attemptABC News - US News