Christa Pike conscious and speaking after botched execution: Attorneys

By Meredith Deliso

Christa Pike is conscious and speaking nearly a week after a botched execution left her critically injured and temporarily on a ventilator, her attorneys said Tuesday.

"Her recovery is medically unprecedented. Her prognosis remains unclear but, at a minimum, we expect a long recovery," her attorneys -- Randy Spivey and Kelly Gleason from the Tennessee Office of the Post Conviction Defender and Stephen Ferrell and Luke Ihnen from Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee -- said in a statement.

Pike, 50, continues to receive medical care after she survived being administered two lethal doses of pentobarbital and was hospitalized following the failed Sept. 30 execution, her attorneys said. She has "severe damage" to her arms and remains handcuffed to her bed, her attorneys said.

"We are incredibly grateful to the first responders and the medical team at the hospital who treated Christa like a human and have provided exceptional care to her," her attorneys said. "We also want to thank thousands from all over the world who sent messages offering prayers and support for Christa."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.