Tennessee’s embattled prison chief, Frank Strada, has resigned days after overseeing the botched execution of Christa Pike, Gov. Bill Lee said on Saturday.
“I appreciate his willingness to put the interests of Tennesseans first during this difficult moment,” Mr. Lee said in a statement on Saturday. “I have accepted his decision to step down and am grateful for his commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”
A replacement was not yet announced and Mr. Strada is expected to step down this month. Mr. Lee has paused all future executions and ordered an independent review into the failed attempt on Ms Pike.
Mr. Strada said in a statement that stepping aside was “in the best interest of Tennesseans” as the independent review began.
He maintained that he believed the department had followed the lethal injection protocol and said he said he would cooperate with the investigation.
“I look forward to doing everything I can to help determine exactly what occurred,” Mr. Strada said.
As of Thursday evening, Ms. Pike remained unconscious and on a ventilator after surviving two doses of the drug used during Tennessee’s lethal injection protocol.
This a developing story. Check back for updates.
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