Tennessee Prisons Chief Quits Days After Christa Pike Survives Failed Execution
Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada will resign this month, Gov. Bill Lee announced Saturday, just three days after the state’s failed attempt to execute death row prisoner Christa Pike left her unconscious and on a ventilator.
Strada, who has led the department since January 2023, said he believes correction officials “carried out its responsibilities in accordance with the established protocol,” but concluded that stepping aside was “in the best interest of Tennesseans” while an independent investigation proceeds. Lee said Strada had served “with integrity” and thanked him for putting the state’s interests first.
Former U.S. Attorney Ed Stanton will lead the independent review, with an interim corrections commissioner to be named later. Lee has also halted Tennessee’s remaining executions for 2026.
Two Doses Failed to Kill Pike
✓ Ryan Mitchell
Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada will resign this month, Gov. Bill Lee announced Saturday, just three days after the state’s failed attempt to execute death…