Brief

Former US Attorney Ed Stanton to Lead Review of Christa Pike Botched Execution

Governor Bill Lee named ex‑US attorney Ed Stanton to head an independent probe after the failed execution of Christa Pike.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:36:30 GMT

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced on Tuesday that former U.S. attorney Ed Stanton will lead an independent review of the botched lethal‑injection execution of death‑row inmate Christa Pike.

Stanton, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee from 2010 to 2017, previously headed a 2022 investigation into the state’s lethal‑injection protocol after officials discovered that drugs used in earlier executions had not been properly tested. That inquiry prompted a halt to all Tennessee executions for the remainder of 2022 and a substantial rewrite of the protocol before executions resumed in February 2025.

The new protocol, introduced by Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada, uses a single dose of pentobarbital rather than a three‑drug cocktail. Pike was given two doses of pentobarbital on Oct. 1, 2026, survived, and was placed on a ventilator. Strada resigned on Saturday, saying he believes the department followed protocol but welcomed an independent review, calling it “entirely appropriate and necessary.”

Stanton’s review will assess whether the protocol was followed during Pike’s execution and whether additional recommendations are needed to keep the process lawful and effective, according to the governor’s office.

Key facts

Ed Stanton, former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Tennessee (2010‑2017), will lead the independent review. (nypost.com)
The review follows the botched execution of Christa Pike on Oct. 1, 2026, where two doses of pentobarbital were administered. (nypost.com)
Commissioner Frank Strada resigned after the failed execution, citing support for the review. (nypost.com)