Tennessee Prepares First Female Execution in Over 200 Years: Her Crime Explained

Tennessee is poised to execute Christa Gail Pike, marking a significant moment in the state’s history. If the execution takes place, she will be the first woman to face execution in Tennessee in two centuries. This event is noteworthy as it follows a larger trend of increasing executions across the United States.

Background on Christa Gail Pike

Christa Pike is currently the only woman on death row in Tennessee. Her execution is scheduled for September 30, 2026, more than 30 years after she committed a gruesome murder in Knoxville. She was just 18 years old when, alongside two accomplices, she lured 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer into the woods and brutally killed her.

The Crime and Conviction

The attack took place on January 12, 1995, when Pike and her accomplices targeted Slemmer out of jealousy. During the hour-long assault, Pike inflicted severe injuries, including stabbing and bludgeoning, leading to Slemmer’s death. Disturbingly, Pike later flaunted a piece of the victim’s skull to her peers. As a result of these actions, Pike was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

Execution Statistics and Context

If carried out, Pike’s execution will be a rare occurrence. Only 18 women have been executed in the United States since 1976, compared to over 1,600 men. This statistic highlights the infrequent application of the death penalty for women, making Pike’s case particularly notable.

• Pike is one of only 48 women currently on death row nationwide.
• The last execution of a woman in the U.S. occurred in 2023.
• Tennessee has executed only three women since its inception, all in the early 1800s.

Support and Opposition

Christa Pike has expressed remorse for her actions, stating in a letter that she has significantly changed since the crime. Her legal team argues that her mental health issues, which were not diagnosed at the time of the crime, should have influenced her sentencing. They contend that if tried today, she would be sentenced to life in prison instead of death.

Conversely, Colleen Slemmer’s mother, May Martinez, has firmly supported the death penalty for Pike, expressing a desire for closure after the trauma of losing her daughter. “I just want Christa down so I can end it, relieve my daughter,” Martinez has stated.

Conclusion

The case of Christa Gail Pike underscores the complexities surrounding the death penalty in the U.S. As Tennessee prepares for a potential execution not seen in two centuries, it raises questions about justice, mental health, and the impact of crime on families. The broader implications of this case may spark renewed discussions about capital punishment in the country.