Christa Pike, the convicted Tennessee murderer who survived two lethal injections and is now conscious and talking, was not alone in the crime for which she received the death penalty. She and two others tortured and murdered 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995 out of jealousy and anger.
Her boyfriend and accomplice, Tadaryl Shipp, was also convicted of murder, but since he was 17, he could not be given the death penalty. He was sentenced to life in prison, plus 25 years. His lone parole appeal has been denied., but further appeals are possible.
The third accomplice, Shadolla Peterson, copped a deal with prosecutors, pled guilty to being an accomplice, and was given six years’ probation.
Today, a hearing was held regarding Pike’s sentence and whether the death penalty should be commuted. The judge, however, merely ordered that all evidence in the case be retained for future legal proceedings.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, following Pike’s botched execution, has ordered a halt to any further executions this year.
If Pike is ultimately executed — and the case will probably end up before the Supreme Court — she would be the first woman executed in the U.S. since Amber McLaughlin in January 2023.
My Take: I have always figured, “Take a life, give up your own,” but following the Pike tragedy, I say let’s stay all executions in the U.S. pending further public review. I mean, put it on the ballot if you have to, but let’s get a consensus on the death penalty.
