Medical conditions blamed for Christa Pike's failed execution

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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2026, 6:02pm

Christa Pike in court in 1996, aged 19, and this year, aged 50. Photo / Supplied

Medical conditions are being cited as a factor in a death row inmate's botched execution.

Christa Pike was sentenced to death for murder in 1996.

Two lethal doses failed - and the 50-year-old's now in hospital, being given 'life-saving measures'.

Anaesthesiology Professor and legal consultant, Joel Zivot, told Heather du Plessis-Allan it was known Pike had small veins.

He says she also has a medical condition making blood clots more likely.

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