Court documents filed by Christa Pike’s attorneys in January 2026 said she had thrombocytosis, which her legal team believed was likely caused by myeloproliferative disorder, a rare form of blood cancer. The filings were obtained by PEOPLE.
Her lawyers warned that the diagnoses could increase the risk of severe pulmonary edema during a lethal injection, potentially causing a feeling of suffocation. They also described Pike’s history of difficult blood draws and needle insertion, recommending that special needles be used to reduce the chance of complications.
Tennessee proceeded with Pike’s scheduled execution on September 30. Her attorney, Randy Spivey, said he counted at least seven needle sticks in her left arm and that one needle appeared bent. He also said her right arm began turning purple after the second round of chemicals.
Pike survived the two lethal injections and was taken to a hospital, where she remained for nearly two weeks. She has since returned to prison and is asking the court to move her from her current isolation arrangement. Pike says she wants access to regular prison activities but does not feel safe returning to her previous housing unit.
Sources: TMZ.