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I pay close attention to the news. One legal case in Tennessee has widespread implications, even for Texas
By federal statute, the U.S. Supreme Court starts its annual session “each first Monday in October”. This year, that will be October 5, 2026. One case in Tennessee is surely to reach the ear of the High Court. It involves the unique (and peculiar) case of Christa Gail Pike, age 50, who was convicted for killing a woman many years ago, and sentenced to death herself. The State of Tennessee attempted (twice) to employ a lethal injection touted to be a ‘humane way’ of carrying-out this Court-ordered sentence. Well, the two attempts failed, and Ms. Pike was described as having a purple cheek, and officials heard her “snoring loudly”, after telling her would-be executioner that her arm felt like it would rip-open.
Normally, I am a supporter of the Death Penalty, when imposed with conclusive proof of guilt by the most heinous of offenders, such as murderers, aggravated rapists and child-molesters. But, I think it is also wrong for governmental entities to inject anything into the bloodstream of any human. That, is an invasion of the human body. For similar reasons, I frown on “firing squads”, since bullets penetrate. I also dislike the usage of what was jokingly referred to as “Old Sparky” (the “Electric Chair”), since the perpetrator has his/her rectum packed with absorbent material to absorb fecal matter. In some cases, perpetrators have had their hair catch on fire.
The method used in the Old West (including Texas) was hanging by the neck with a rope tied to a sturdy tree (often on the public courthouse lawn in broad daylight). Usually a well-placed knot, along with a medium-drop from a gallows, caused instant death.
So, what about Crista Gail Pike ? Since she was delivered her “sentence” –not just once, but twice– and miraculously survived — in my estimation: she has paid her debt to Society. Sadly, she endured what I believe constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” and that is outlawed by the U.S. Constitution.
I still feel sorrow for the family of the victim whom Ms. Pike murdered. But, this is a strange case. I hope the U.S. Supreme Court addresses this and effectively bans ALL FORMS of lethal-injections imposed in Judicial proceedings. As previously noted, I believe in Capital Punishment for the most heinous of offenders.
In Ms. Pike’s case, if she survives. I hope the Governor of Tennessee will commute her sentence to “time served”. She has literally “taken her proverbial medicine” which the Court imposed. In many ways, Ms. Pike has already suffered an unthinkable oddity: a botched lethal-injection. Not just once, but twice. I think if there was EVER a Sign from Almighty God to show Mercy: this is it.
