@thecrimedesk: The first woman set to be executed by Tennessee in 200 years has had her planned lethal injection halted just one hour before it was due to take place after 'serious concerns' had been raised. Murderer Christa Pike was given a stay of execution by the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit around 9am CT Wednesday after a judge agreed to consider whether childhood sexual abuse she suffered was taken into account when she was first sentenced. Judge Jane Branstetter Stranch described her decision as a 'short stay of execution' while the argument is reviewed. 'To adequately address and resolve the issues now presented to this court and in carefully balancing the equities, we find that a stay of Pike’s execution is necessary,' Stranch said. Following the sudden decision, Stephen Ferrell of the Federal Defenders Services of Eastern Tennessee said: 'The court has stayed this recognizing the serious concerns about Christa's scheduled execution.' #news #crime #truecrime

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Wednesday 30 September 2026 15:03:34 GMT