Christa Pike: Victim Colleen Slemmer’s Mother Says She Didn’t Believe Execution Would Kill Her

October 7, 2026 / Liam Redmond /

May Martinez, the mother of Christa Pike’s 1995 murder victim Colleen Slemmer, has spoken out after Pike survived Tennessee’s failed execution attempt, saying she had a feeling the death-row inmate would remain alive.

Her remarks come as Pike’s survival leaves questions over her recovery and whether Tennessee could attempt another execution.

Martinez told NBC affiliate WBIR that she believed Pike would survive the botched execution. When asked what she wanted to happen to Pike now, Martinez replied, “It doesn’t matter what I think.”

“They’re going to do what they’re going to do,” she added, according to WSMV and WBBJ.

Martinez also said she does not believe Tennessee will make another attempt to execute Pike.

Pike Survived Two Doses of Pentobarbital

Pike’s execution was halted after prison officials struggled to administer the lethal injection. She ultimately received two doses of pentobarbital but remained alive and was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Her attorneys said she was unconscious and on a ventilator in an Oct. 2 court filing. By Oct. 6, they said she had regained consciousness and could speak. They described her recovery as “medically unprecedented” while warning that her prognosis remains unclear and that she faces a long recovery.

Pike’s lawyers also said she remained handcuffed and shackled to her hospital bed despite severe injuries to her arms from the attempted execution. The Tennessee Department of Correction has maintained that it followed the state’s established execution protocol.

What Happens to Christa Pike Now?

Her attorneys are seeking to preserve evidence from the failed execution, arguing that the procedure violated her constitutional rights. A Davidson County Chancery Court hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, although Pike was not expected to attend.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has also ordered an outside review of the failed execution and suspended scheduled executions in the state for the remainder of 2026.

Pike was sentenced to death for the 1995 torture and murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, a fellow student at the University of Tennessee. Pike was 18 at the time of the killing. Tennessee’s Sept. 30 execution attempt made her the first woman the state had tried to execute in roughly two centuries, but the procedure did not result in her death.

Liam Redmond

As an editor at Forbes Europe, I specialize in exploring business innovations and entrepreneurial success stories. My passion lies in delivering impactful content that resonates with readers and sparks meaningful conversations.