Christa Pike is awake and speaking after failed execution, lawyers say

The Tennessee woman who survived an execution last week is conscious, speaking and receiving medical care in a development her attorneys described Tuesday as “unprecedented.”

In a statement, attorneys for Christa Pike said she remains handcuffed and shackled despite suffering significant injuries to her arms after two lethal injections of pentobarbital failed to kill her.

The statement described her prognosis as unclear.

“At a minimum, we expect a long recovery,” attorneys Randy Spivey and Kelly Gleason said. “We are incredibly grateful to the first responders and the medical team at the hospital who treated Christa like a human and have provided exceptional care to her. We also want to thank thousands from all over the world who sent messages offering prayers and support for Christa.”

The statement said the attorneys will speak during a news conference Wednesday.