Lawyer for Christa Pike Seeks Removal of Shackles, Phone Access After Botched Execution

Christa Pike, 50, is reportedly awake and speaking minimally a week after executioners attempted to administer lethal injections as part of her death sentence. Pike was convicted in 1995 for the stabbing and beating death of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer.

During a court hearing on Tuesday, Pike's attorney, Luke Ihnen, requested that shackles be removed from his client, who is currently hospitalized, and that she be granted access to a phone. Ihnen stated that Pike was unconscious until recently and unable to communicate with her legal counsel or medical providers. He further alleged that the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is obstructing communication, not only for medical staff but also for attorneys.

"Based on our understanding, medical staff have asked that the shackles be removed and have been denied that request by TDOC," Ihnen told the court. "We would also amend our request and ask for that relief."

The legal team appeared in court for an emergency hearing to request the preservation of all evidence related to the September 30 execution attempt. Ihnen expressed concern that the state has not guaranteed that Pike will not face another execution attempt and that the evidence is crucial for any future legal challenges.

Assistant Attorney General John Ayers contested these claims, stating that there is no active execution order for Pike and denying allegations that the TDOC is preventing her lawyers from meeting with her. Ayers asserted that access to counsel is being facilitated.