Christa Pike execution halted at last minute: Why her 1995 murder case is raising questions about death sentences for 18-year-olds

A federal appeals court has halted Christa Gail Pike's execution while reviewing the consideration of her childhood trauma. Pike, who was convicted as an 18-year-old, participated in the murder of Colleen Slemmer in 1995. Her attorneys argue that mental health issues and childhood abuse were inadequately addressed in her sentencing. Although the execution was previously approved, the court's decision has temporarily postponed it.