The inmate who survived an execution speaks for the first time: 'Still suffering from pain'

Christa Pike, the American death row inmate who survived a botched execution attempt in September, issued her first public statement. She described severe physical and psychological pain since the failed procedure, in which two injections of lethal chemicals were administered without causing her death.

Christa Pike, a 50-year-old American death row inmate who survived a botched execution attempt last September, issued her first public statement today since the incident. Pike described severe physical and psychological pain: 'There hasn't been a single moment since that night that I haven't been in pain. My body hurts. My arms hurt. My hands hurt. My throat hurts. I still have trouble speaking. And the pain isn't just physical. There is pain in my soul and spirit as well.' Pike was released from the hospital at the end of last month, after surviving two injections of pentobarbital. The procedure went wrong: after the first dose, she complained of pain and continued breathing, and a second dose also did not cause her death. After more than an hour, the procedure was halted and she was taken to the hospital. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review and a postponement of further executions. Her lawyers are seeking to prevent another attempt, but the death sentence remains in effect.