Tennessee authorities are attempting to restrict Christa Pike’s defense team from accessing the lethal injection drug used in her failed execution. The concern is that revealing the supplier of the drug could compromise confidentiality.
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a request on Friday, arguing that an October court directive could disclose the state’s supplier of the lethal injection drug. Tennessee law protects identities involved in executions from public exposure.
In a memorandum, Skrmetti emphasized that Pike’s legal team should not obtain information on the leftover pentobarbital vials used in Pike’s attempted execution. A Tennessee Department of Correction employee affirmed this position, noting a risk of losing access to the drug if the order stood.
“The agency would likely lose access to pentobarbital and be unable to conduct executions,” the employee stated.
The Department also highlighted past supplier harassment incidents. Attempts to reach Pike’s legal representatives and the attorney general’s office on the matter were unsuccessful.
The state has requested Judge I’Ashea L. Myles of the Davidson County Chancery Court to reconsider her decision from October 10, which allowed Pike’s attorneys to access any remaining lethal injection substances.