Recordings have revealed a series of miscommunications led to a delayed emergency response following the failed execution of Christa Pike, a death row inmate in Tennessee.
Initial Calls and Confusion
On September 30, at around 8:40 p.m., a 911 call reported Pike’s execution had not been successful. The caller was unable to provide a verifying code, leading dispatchers to question the call’s authenticity.
An operator explained the situation: “We have a medical call for service at Riverbend Prison. They carried out the execution, the subject didn’t pass away, and they need an ambulance.” Further confusion arose as dispatchers tried to ascertain if the call was genuine or a prank.
Emergency Response and Miscommunication
By 9:03 p.m., a dispatcher informed supervisors at the Department of Emergency Communications. They concluded the call was false and canceled the emergency response, only to later discover ongoing issues at Riverbend Prison.
An exchange between a dispatcher and a prison employee increased confusion: “We got a call about a failed execution. We’re calling to verify.” The employee responded, “I’m being told nobody from our facility called you.”
Legal and Medical Actions
Pike’s attorney, Kelly Gleason, made another emergency call, affirming Pike was “alive and breathing and needs immediate life-saving care.” The call was recorded at approximately 9:08 p.m.
A first responder reported a state official outside the prison gate demanding entry, confirming the urgency. By 9:11 p.m., Central Control authorized entry, allowing Pike to be transported to a hospital.
At 9:34 p.m., Pike was in an ambulance heading to medical care. She remained unconscious for six days following the failed lethal injection attempt.
Execution Protocol and Aftermath
Pike was convicted for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer. Her execution involved pentobarbital doses, which did not achieve expected results. Tennessee’s protocol restricts additional doses beyond two.
After waking on October 6, Pike returned to the women’s prison for ongoing medical care.
The failed execution led Governor Bill Lee to suspend future executions pending further review.