A mother arrived to witness an execution, but her daughter’s killer survived. As Christa Pike’s lawyers say she is awake and speaking, Colleen Slemmer’s mother faces renewed uncertainty after three decades. With doctors still assessing the damage and questions hanging over what Tennessee might do next, May Martinez’s response leaves one painful question without a clear or final ans…

May Martinez traveled from Florida to Nashville for the September 30 execution of Christa Pike, convicted in 1996 of murdering her 19-year-old daughter, Colleen Slemmer. According to the report, Pike survived two doses of pentobarbital and was transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she spent days unconscious on a ventilator. On October 6, her attorneys announced that she had regained consciousness and could speak, while cautioning that her prognosis remained uncertain and recovery could be lengthy.

The legal team also alleged severe injuries to Pike’s arms and said she remained restrained in her hospital bed while receiving critical care. Martinez, meanwhile, said she doubted Tennessee would attempt another execution. Asked whether she wanted a second lethal injection, she answered: “It doesn’t matter what I think.” She added: “They’re going to do what they’re going to do.” Her words leave the focus on a mother whose daughter can never come home.