Tennessee's Rare Female Execution: What's Next for Christa Pike?

Execution Date Set for September 30, 2026 Christa Pike, the only woman on Tennessee's death row, is set to be executed in 2026. This will be the first execution of a woman in the state in over a century. The execution is scheduled to take place at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.

Conviction and Crime

Pike was convicted in 1996 for the brutal murder of Colleen Slemmer, a crime committed when Pike was just 18. The case involved torture and a pentagram carved into the victim's chest. Her co-conspirators, Tadaryl Shipp and Shadolla Peterson, received lesser sentences. Shipp is up for parole soon, while Peterson testified against Pike and received probation.

Legal Arguments and Mental Health

Pike's legal team argues that her mental health issues, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were not adequately considered during her trial. They also point out that societal views on the death penalty have evolved, especially regarding young offenders with mental health struggles.

National Context

The U.S. has executed very few women since 1976, with the most recent being Amber McLaughlin in Missouri in 2023. Nationwide, only 48 women are currently on death row. Studies suggest that many of these women experienced gender-based violence and faced bias in their trials.

Clemency Petitions

Pike's attorneys have filed petitions for clemency, arguing that her sentence would likely be different today. They highlight her traumatic childhood and mental health issues as key factors. The Death Penalty Information Center notes that juries are now less likely to sentence young offenders to death, especially those with mental health issues.