# The American state of Tennessee is due to execute a woman for the first time in over 200 years today. Christa Pike is scheduled to die by lethal injection. The 50-year-old was 18 when she was convicted of murdering 19-year-old classmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Her lawyers have sought clemency, citing severe childhood trauma and mental-health problems, but governor Bill Lee rejected the request. The US Supreme Court has also rejected a last-minute appeal. If carried out, Pike’s execution will be Tennessee’s first of a woman since 1820.
Tennessee is set to execute a woman for first time in 200 years