The state of Tennessee may carry out its first execution of a woman in more than 200 years after approval from its Supreme Court. Christa Gail Pike, now 49 and the only woman on the state’s death row, has been given an execution date of September 30, 2026.

Pike was 18 when she murdered 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995 near University of Tennessee. The two were part of a job training program. Prosecutors said jealousy over Pike’s boyfriend led her to plan the attack with accomplices. The killing was extremely violent, and Pike later kept part of the victim’s skull.

Retired detective Randy York recalled her behavior, saying: “During the interview, she was very giddy, laughed, very cooperative. She wanted to tell us all about it.” He added: “She had a piece of the skull wrapped up in a napkin in her coat pocket. That’s a trophy.”

In 1996, Pike was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. One accomplice received life without parole, while another was given probation after testifying. In 2004, Pike received an additional 25 years for attempting to kill another inmate. Her case has gone through decades of appeals.

Her lawyers argue her past should be considered, stating: “Christa’s childhood was fraught with years of physical and sexual abuse and neglect,” and that “with time and treatment, she has become a thoughtful woman with deep remorse for her crime.” If carried out, the execution would be the first of a woman in Tennessee since 1820, following the state’s recent resumption of executions.