US convicted murderer Christa Pike is in hospital receiving life-saving measures after Tennessee authorities failed in their attempt to execute her by lethal injection on Wednesday evening. Pike, 50, was sentenced to death in 1996 for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, an attack perpetrated alongside her then-boyfriend Tadaryl Shipp. The execution, which had faced a last-minute legal battle, was permitted by the US Supreme Court.

Pike was administered two syringes of the drug pentobarbital. Her legal team reported that these injections failed to stop her heartbeat and that she could still be heard snoring. The Tennessee Department of Correction defended the method used, stating that its protocol does not allow for additional procedures beyond what was carried out.

Details regarding the specific cause of the failed execution remain unclear. The state protocol reportedly does not specify what actions should be taken if an inmate remains alive after a second dose. Medical experts have offered potential explanations. Dr. Joel Zivot, a professor at Emory University School of Medicine and a medical expert retained by Pike's legal team, suggested that Pike likely never reached a sufficient blood concentration of pentobarbital to induce apnea and cardiovascular failure.

Following the failed attempt, Pike was transported to an off-site medical facility. Her current health status is unknown as of Thursday morning. One of her lawyers confirmed she is receiving medical care in the hospital. Governor Bill Lee has ordered a third-party review of the incident and has stated that the year's final scheduled execution will not proceed as planned.

The mother of the victim, Colleen Slemmer, described the events as a "mess." Opponents of the death penalty have raised concerns about the potential suffering of inmates when executions do not go as planned. Maya Foa, chief executive of international legal organisation Reprieve, highlighted the secrecy surrounding lethal injection procedures, suggesting it obscures the reality of state-sanctioned killing.

Authorities have not yet indicated whether they intend to attempt Pike's execution again. There is historical precedent for authorities making a second attempt to execute individuals on death row.

Pike's conviction stemmed from the brutal murder of Colleen Slemmer, who was tortured and killed by Pike and her boyfriend. The case has been a focal point for capital punishment debates in the United States.

The incident raises significant questions about the reliability and humanity of lethal injection protocols, particularly when they encounter unforeseen complications. The ordered review is expected to examine the procedures and the specific circumstances that led to the failed execution.