Tennessee Warns Executions Could Halt if Pentobarbital Supplier Is Exposed After 2-Dose Pike Failure
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
Tennessee Warns Executions Could Halt if Pentobarbital Supplier Is Exposed After 2-Dose Pike Failure
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 10
Summary
A Tennessee court filing says the state could lose access to pentobarbital—and be unable to carry out executions—if evidence labels reveal the supplier tied to Christa Pike’s botched Sept. 30 execution.
Two doses of pentobarbital failed to kill Pike, prompting Chancellor I'Ashea Myles on Oct. 10 to order preservation of needles, vials and any residual drug from the execution attempt.
An unnamed Department of Correction employee told the Davidson County Chancery Court that suppliers fear threats, harassment and boycotts, and that the current vendor would cut ties if identified.
Myles has not yet ruled on whether Pike’s lawyers and experts can inspect the materials without exposing the supplier, a decision that could shape Tennessee’s ability to continue executions.
Pike, convicted in the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, remains on death row and separately sought protection after the failed execution, saying her prison housing block puts her life at risk.