A disturbing photograph of death row killer Christa Pike's injuries has been leaked, according to a report. The 50-year-old murderer is in critical condition after a botched execution last week and is being treated in the Nashville area, her lawyers said.
Botched execution details
Pike was injected with at least seven needles as medical staff attempted to give her two lethal doses of pentobarbital. She was heard crying, whimpering and breathing loudly throughout the process. Her attorneys noted in an emergency motion that Pike said her arm felt like it was going to "burst open".
Radar Online reports it was sent a photograph of the injuries by an insider claiming it came from a correctional officer on the scene. The image has not been published. The source told Radar that "the needle blew her vein, causing chemicals to go to the muscle" and alleged she experienced "stroke-like symptoms".
Hospital treatment and legal response
Pike's attorneys noted in their filings that both her arms were swollen, burned and blistered from the drug when she arrived at the hospital. They believe issues with the IV lines caused the pentobarbital to flow into her body rather than her bloodstream.
Pike previously filed an appeal claiming her execution would result in cruel and unusual punishment because of her individual physical characteristics, including thrombocytosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and small veins. Her lawyers say her concerns were dismissed and branded as "speculation".
They are now demanding accountability and that the killer's legal rights be protected. Luke Ihnen, attorney for Pike with Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, said: "We are working closely with those closest to Christa to respect her wishes, safeguard her privacy and protect her rights as a patient during this extraordinarily difficult time."
