Possible historic execution
Tennessee may carry out its first execution of a woman in more than 200 years after the state Supreme Court allowed the death sentence of Christa Gail Pike to proceed. Pike, now 49, is the only woman currently on Tennessee’s death row. She was 18 when she was convicted for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer.

The 1995 murder case
The crime happened on January 12, 1995, near the agricultural campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Both Pike and Slemmer were enrolled in the Job Corps program at the time. Prosecutors said jealousy was a key motive, claiming Pike believed Slemmer was interested in her boyfriend. Authorities reported that Pike and two others lured Slemmer to a wooded area where the attack occurred. A detective later recalled Pike’s behavior during questioning, saying, “She was very cooperative and wanted to tell us everything.”

Trial and sentencing
In 1996, Pike was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Her co-defendant Tadaryl Shipp received life in prison without parole, while another participant, Shadolla Peterson, testified during the trial and received probation. While incarcerated, Pike was later convicted in 2004 of attempting to strangle another inmate and received an additional 25-year sentence.

Appeals and defense arguments
Pike’s legal team has challenged the death sentence for years. Attorneys say her background and mental health should be considered. They argue she experienced severe childhood trauma and untreated mental illness. As her lawyers stated, “Christa’s childhood was fraught with years of physical and sexual abuse and neglect.”

Execution timeline and debate
The state has requested an execution date, currently scheduled for September 30, 2026. If carried out, Pike would become the first woman executed in Tennessee since 1820. Her case has renewed debate about the death penalty in the state as legal appeals continue.