Tennessee may carry out its first execution of a woman in more than 200 years after the state Supreme Court approved moving forward with the death sentence of Christa Gail Pike. Pike, now 49, has spent decades on death row, and her case stands out because of “the rarity of female executions in the United States” and her young age at the time of the crime.

Pike was 18 in 1995 when the crime occurred while she was enrolled in the Knoxville Job Corps program. She was described as “highly intelligent but also deeply troubled,” a combination that later became central to public discussion of the case.

On January 12, 1995, Pike lured 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer to a wooded area near the University of Tennessee campus. Investigators said the motive stemmed from jealousy after Pike believed Slemmer was interested in her boyfriend. Authorities described the attack as “premeditated,” emphasizing planning rather than a momentary outburst.

Pike was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, becoming “the only woman currently on Tennessee’s death row.” Over the years, appeals focused on her youth, mental state, and claims that she had the potential for rehabilitation. Supporters pointed to research suggesting young adults often lack full impulse control.

Despite decades of legal challenges, the court recently allowed the execution to proceed, reigniting debate over capital punishment, gender, and age. With executions of women described as “exceedingly rare,” Pike’s case is viewed as both a historic moment for Tennessee and a symbol of the ongoing ethical debate surrounding the death penalty in the United States.