For the first time in more than two centuries, Tennessee is preparing to carry out the execution of a woman, marking a rare and historic moment in American legal history. The case has sparked nationwide debate, not only because of its uniqueness but also due to the broader discussion around capital punishment that has re-emerged in recent years. Many are watching closely, as this decision could have far-reaching implications for how the justice system handles such cases moving forward.
The woman at the center of this case is Christa Gail Pike, now 49 years old, who has been incarcerated for nearly three decades. Pike was convicted in 1996 for a crime committed when she was just 18, becoming the youngest woman in the nation at the time to be sentenced to death. Since then, she has remained the only female on Tennessee’s death row, with her name consistently resurfacing in legal and public debates about whether such a sentence was appropriate for someone so young.
