Convicted murderer Krista Pike is showing significant progress in her recovery after surviving a botched execution in Tennessee. At the same time, doctors are still trying to determine the extent of possible long-term psychological and cognitive impairments, reports UNN, citing TMZ.
Details
Krista’s attorney told TMZ that her physical condition continues to improve: she can now move around more independently. According to her lawyer, Krista’s speech has also improved — she is communicating more clearly and forming complete sentences.
However, the attorney notes that the woman’s cognitive and psychological condition remains under observation. It may take another month or longer before a clearer understanding emerges of the possible long-term consequences of what she experienced.
This latest news indicates a substantial improvement in Krista’s condition. After surviving the execution attempt on September 30, when she received two doses of lethal-injection drugs, she was unconscious for some time and unable to communicate.
The outlet notes that after Krista regained consciousness, she was able to take several steps and speak. At the same time, her attorneys had previously stated that she suffered from disorientation, memory problems, and serious physical injuries.
Her recovery is taking place against the backdrop of disturbing details regarding the actions of emergency services during the botched execution.
According to recordings of calls to 911, prison staff took 31 minutes to confirm that emergency medical assistance was needed. The delay occurred because of a misunderstanding between prison personnel and emergency-services workers.
Krista was later discharged from the hospital and returned to prison, where she continues to receive medical care.
As a reminder
Krista Pike was sentenced to death for the brutal murder of her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in 1995. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee suspended executions until an independent investigation into the circumstances of the botched procedure is completed.