Slemmer was tortured for over an hour. Her throat was slit multiple times with a box cutter. She was attacked with an asphalt brick and a meat cleaver. Pike also carved a pentagram into Slemmer’s forehead and chest.
The grotesque nature of the crime reached its peak when it was revealed that Pike had taken a piece of Slemmer’s skull as a macabre keepsake and even brought it to breakfast the following morning. These horrifying details illustrate the horrific nature of the act.
Legal Challenges to the Death Sentence
Pike’s attorneys attempted to challenge her death sentence by citing a significant Tennessee Supreme Court case, Tennessee v. Tyshon Booker.
The case claims that imposing an automatic life sentence on a juvenile homicide offender without considering their age or other relevant circumstances violates the Eighth Amendment to the United States Constitution. And prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Pike’s defense argued that her sentencing should be reevaluated, primarily because there is no clear demarcation of maturity or cognitive differences between a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old. Note that the Tennessee Supreme Court’s ruling in the Booker case specifically pertains to juvenile offenders and does not extend to adult offenders.
Mental Health Issues
Pike’s defense team has consistently argued that her upbringing and mental health should be considered as mitigating factors.
