Make New York Post a Preferred Source The Tennessee prison chief who oversaw the botched execution of murderer Christa Pike has stepped down from the position.
Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada offered his resignation to Republican Gov. Bill Lee on Oct. 3, according to a report from The Tennessean.
Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada has resigned after overseeing the Christa Pike’s botched execution on Sept. 30. Tennessee Department of Correction Christa Pike was Tennessee’s first female death row inmate in over 200 years. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect Strada maintained that the department carried out its responsibilities “in accordance with established protocol,” the report stated.
“Even so, stepping aside is in the best interest of Tennesseans as the independent review moves forward,” Stada said. “I believe this review is entirely appropriate and necessary, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help determine exactly what occurred.”
Pike, 50, survived two lethal doses of a pentobarbital on Wednesday night.
She is still alive, though is unconscious, intubated and breathing through a ventilator, according to her lawyers.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
