Death row convict Krista Pike, who survived a failed attempt to carry out her death sentence by lethal injection, is in critical condition, her lawyers said, DPA reported.
Pike's lawyers said the 50-year-old woman is receiving life-saving medical treatment. It is still unclear why she survived the two injections.
Pike's execution was scheduled for Wednesday evening. However, authorities said she remained alive after receiving the two doses of pentobarbital prescribed in the protocol.
Witnesses reported hearing Pike continue to breathe and gasp for a long time. One of her lawyers later claimed to have even heard her talking and singing after the first dose. Pike was then taken to a medical facility outside the prison.
It is still unclear whether Pike will be given another death sentence if she recovers. Her lawyers are urging that the death sentence not be carried out and that it be replaced with life imprisonment without parole.
No new information had been received as of this afternoon. It is unclear what the prognosis for her condition is.
Meanwhile, the Italian newspaper “Repubblica“ reported that Pope Leo XIV has already called for a postponement of Pike's execution before her scheduled execution. However, the Vatican has not received a response to its request.
The Holy See opposes the death penalty, and the Pope himself has called for its abolition worldwide.