Christa Pike is set to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years, with the state scheduling her death for next week. She remains the only woman on Tennessee’s death row. Her execution is set for Sept. 30 in Nashville, according to state records.
Pike was convicted of torturing and murdering Colleen Slemmer in 1995. She was 18 years old when a court sentenced her to death for the killing.
A group of youth advocates held a press conference on Wednesday to call on Gov. Bill Lee to commute Pike’s death sentence. The advocates pointed to what they described as extensive abuse Pike suffered as a child.
“Clemency offers the opportunity to apply our updated understanding of the child Christa was and the profound consequences of what happened to her,” an advocate said. “Commuting Christa’s sentence would still hold her accountable for the terrible crime she committed, but it would recognize what decades of research has taught us about the lifelong consequences of severe childhood adversity.”
The group noted that eight people have been sentenced to death in Tennessee at age 18. According to the advocates, Pike is the only one still on death row. The others had their sentences reduced through appeals or commutations.
Governor’s position
Lee has previously said that Pike’s execution will move forward as planned. The governor’s office has not announced any change to the scheduled date.
Pike’s case has drawn attention from advocacy groups focused on childhood trauma and the treatment of young offenders. Supporters of clemency argue that her age at the time of the crime and her reported history of abuse warrant a sentence less than death.
Historical context
Tennessee has not executed a woman since 1819, according to state records. Pike is the only woman currently held on the state’s death row.
The state’s clemency process allows the governor to reduce a death sentence to life imprisonment or another penalty. Advocates have urged Lee to use that authority before the scheduled execution date.
A commutation would hold Pike accountable for the killing while recognizing her documented history of childhood adversity, the advocates said. They have asked supporters to contact the governor’s office to request clemency.
