Christa Pike is one of the most notorious women in Tennessee’s criminal history. At just eighteen years old, she committed a brutal crime that led to her being sentenced to death. Today, she remains the only woman on Tennessee’s death row, making her case both rare and highly debated. Her story is a mix of childhood trauma, unstable family life, and choices that led to tragic consequences, shaping her into one of the most talked-about inmates in the United States. In this article, we will explore the life of Christa Pike, from her troubled childhood and the infamous crime that put her on death row, to her personal profile, current status, and the legacy of her story.
Quick Bio:
| Full Name | Christa Gail Pike |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1976 |
| Age | 49 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Beckley, West Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Carissa Hansen (mother), Emil Glenn Pike (father) |
| Siblings | At least one half-sister |
| Height | Approximately 5′7″ (unverified) |
| Education | GED through Job Corps |
| Occupation | Inmate (Death Row) |
| Net Worth | None / Not reported |
| Marital Status | Single (never married) |
| Current Status | On death row, execution scheduled for 2026 |
Early Life and Family
Born on March 10, 1976, in Beckley, West Virginia, Christa grew up in a troubled home. Her childhood was filled with instability, neglect, and strained family ties. She reportedly struggled with health problems, including seizures as an infant, and experienced emotional hardships throughout her youth. Moving between schools and homes left her without a solid foundation. These early struggles became defining influences on her behavior and future, setting the stage for the path her life would take.
Teenage Years and Job Corps
As a teenager, Christa joined the Job Corps program in Knoxville, Tennessee, hoping to earn an education and find stability. While there, she completed her GED and became involved in new friendships and relationships. She started dating Tadaryl Shipp, a fellow student, and tensions soon rose between her and another student, Colleen Slemmer. Jealousy, emotional insecurity, and an unstable mindset created an atmosphere that would end in tragedy, changing the lives of everyone involved forever.
The Murder of Colleen Slemmer
On January 12, 1995, Christa, along with Tadaryl Shipp and Shadolla Peterson, lured Colleen Slemmer to a remote area. What began as a confrontation quickly turned into a violent attack. The incident escalated into torture and brutality, ending with Colleen’s death. Investigators discovered shocking evidence, including Pike’s possession of a fragment from the victim’s skull. The murder shocked Tennessee and the nation, both for its cruelty and the young age of those involved in committing it.
Trial and Sentencing
Christa Pike’s trial moved quickly due to the strong evidence against her. She confessed to the crime, and prosecutors presented detailed accounts of what had taken place. In 1996, at the age of twenty, she was sentenced to death, making her the youngest woman in modern U.S. history to receive that penalty. While her boyfriend Shipp received life in prison and Peterson was given probation for testifying, Christa’s punishment was far more severe, cementing her fate on death row.
Life Behind Bars
Christa Pike has spent nearly three decades in prison, held in isolation as the only woman on Tennessee’s death row. Her time behind bars has included violent incidents, such as an attack on another inmate in 2001 that led to additional charges. She was also connected to an attempted escape plot in 2012. Living under strict conditions, her existence has been one of solitude and limited human contact, leaving her with few freedoms beyond her prison cell.
Appeals and Legal Challenges
Over the years, Christa has pursued many appeals to fight her sentence. Her defense has argued that her young age, mental health issues, and abusive past should be considered as factors against the death penalty. Courts, however, have consistently upheld her conviction and punishment. Advocates for her case argue that she represents the failure to address trauma and mental illness in young offenders. Still, her appeals have seen little success, leaving her with limited hope of reversal.
Execution Date and Current Status
In September 2025, the Tennessee Supreme Court set Christa Pike execution date for September 30, 2026. If carried out, she will be the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than two hundred years. This announcement has renewed debates over capital punishment, especially for women and young offenders. Now forty-nine years old, Christa’s story continues to raise questions about justice, redemption, and the fairness of the system. Her final chapter may soon be decided by the state.
Personal Profile
Today, Christa Pike is forty-nine years old. Her reported height is around five foot seven, though this detail remains unconfirmed. Having spent most of her adult life in prison, she has no financial assets, making her net worth essentially nonexistent. She is not active on social media and has no personal online presence. Her life is defined almost entirely by her incarceration. Despite this, public interest in her continues to grow as her scheduled execution date approaches.
Reflection and Legacy
The story of Christa Pike is more than a crime report—it is a lesson about the impact of trauma, mental health, and choices made in moments of anger. Her case shows how an unstable childhood can shape destructive decisions, and how the justice system handles young offenders. Whether one views her as a victim of circumstance or as a criminal beyond redemption, her life serves as a reminder of the human complexities behind crime and punishment in America.
FAQs:
Who is Christa Pike?
Christa Pike is an American woman convicted of the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer in Tennessee. She was sentenced to death at just twenty years old and remains the only woman currently on Tennessee’s death row.
What is Christa Pike execution date?
Christa Pike execution date has been set for September 30, 2026. If carried out, she will become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than two centuries.
How old is Christa Pike now?
Christa Pike was born on March 10, 1976, making her forty-nine years old in 2025.
Does Christa Pike have a family?
She was born to Carissa Hansen and Emil Glenn Pike and has at least one half-sister. Her childhood was marked by unstable family relationships and neglect.
What is Christa Pike’s net worth?
Christa Pike has no known net worth. Having spent nearly thirty years in prison, she does not have personal financial assets or property.
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