Clinton Young Foundation

CHRISTA PIKE SURVIVES EX*****ON ATTEMPT IN TENNESSEE

In an extraordinarily rare event, Christa Gail Pike survived Tennessee’s attempt to execute her by lethal injection on September 30, 2026.

Hours after the ex*****on process began, Tennessee officials informed the Tennessee Supreme Court that Pike was still alive and was being transported by ambulance to a hospital for medical treatment.

According to witnesses, Pike was given pentobarbital under Tennessee’s lethal-injection protocol. After the initial administration failed to result in her death, officials proceeded with the protocol’s backup procedure. She still did not die.

The protocol did not authorize officials to continue administering additional ex*****on drugs, and the ex*****on attempt was ultimately stopped.

Pike was then taken from the prison by ambulance to an outside medical facility. As of early October 1, her precise medical condition and location had not been publicly disclosed.

Failed ex*****ons are rare. Survival after the ex*****on drugs have actually been administered is particularly extraordinary. Previous failed lethal-injection ex*****ons have often involved an inability to establish or maintain IV access before the lethal drugs could be fully administered. Exactly what happened in Pike’s case—including whether the intended amount of pentobarbital successfully entered her bloodstream—remains under investigation.

Before the ex*****on, Pike’s attorneys had raised concerns about her individual medical circumstances, including thrombocytosis, a condition involving an abnormally high number of platelets in the blood, and difficulties with her veins. The significance of those conditions to what occurred during the ex*****on is not yet known.

Late Wednesday night, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an investigation into the failed ex*****on and postponed the state’s remaining ex*****on scheduled for 2026.

A major victory for human dignity in Texas prisons. ⚖️🙌🏼

A federal judge has ordered Texas to air-condition all of its prisons by the end of 2029, finding that the conditions in prisons without air conditioning violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

For decades, incarcerated people in Texas have endured extreme summer temperatures, often with little relief. Families have watched their loved ones suffer, knowing that the conditions inside these facilities can become dangerous and even deadly.

This ruling recognizes something that should never have been up for debate: A prison sentence is not a sentence to suffer in extreme heat.

At the Clinton Young Foundation, we believe that accountability and human dignity are not mutually exclusive. Regardless of why someone is incarcerated, the State has a constitutional obligation to protect the people in its custody.

This ruling is an important step toward ensuring that constitutional protections extend beyond prison walls.
Now, the responsibility lies with Texas to turn this ruling into meaningful change.

Justice does not end at conviction. Neither do constitutional rights. ⚖️

❤️ Clinton Young Foundation
www.clintonyoungfoundation.org

13+ YEARS IN PRISON. TWO 50-YEAR SENTENCES. AND A PROSECUTOR SECRETLY WORKING FOR THE JUDGE.

In 2012, Arturo Mendoza was convicted of DWI and evading arrest in Midland County, Texas. He received 50 years for each offense.

He has now spent more than 13 years behind bars.

But there is something the public—and Arturo—didn’t know.

The prosecutor on this case was also secretly being paid to work for Midland County judges on trial and post-conviction cases—including Arturo’s.

The prosecutor and the judge are supposed to have completely separate roles. One represents the State. The other must remain neutral and independent.

That line was crossed.

⚖️ The Clinton Young Foundation has filed a writ of habeas corpus challenging Arturo’s conviction based on this conflict.

His case is now before the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals—the highest criminal court in Texas—which will decide whether his conviction should be overturned.

For Arturo, that decision could change everything.🧡

Please share Arturo’s story and help us shine a light on the injustice in this case.

💌 WRITE A PRISONER. MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY.

Some of our clients have spent decades in prison. Over the years, family members pass away, friendships fade, and support systems disappear. For some, getting a letter or message from someone on the outside can mean more than we realize. ❤️

We’re inviting our followers to take a few minutes and write one of our incarcerated clients. Tell them about your day, send some words of encouragement, introduce yourself, or simply remind them that someone out here is thinking about them.

✉️ You can write a traditional letter by mail or send a message electronically through Securus.

Not sure who to write or how to get started? DM us! We’ll send you the contact information and instructions you need.

A few minutes of your time. A few kind words. A reminder that they haven’t been forgotten. 💚

Who wants a pen pal? 💌

New Message from Clinton! ✍️ ⚖️🧡

Meet Charles Burt.

Clint asked us to share Charles’ story because, in his words, Charles is the epitome of change.

After spending the past 13 years in TDCJ—including 11 years in solitary confinement—Charles chose a different path. His story is one of accountability, growth, hope, and the incredible ability people have to change, even in the darkest circumstances.

Take a few minutes to read Charles’ blog. We think you’ll come away inspired. 🙏🏼

And if his story speaks to you, please leave him a few words of encouragement in the comments. Your support means more than you know. 🧡💪🏼

CLINTON’S BIRTHDAY 🎉

July 19 is Clinton’s birthday.

Unfortunately, it will be another birthday spent behind prison bars, away from his family.

Anyone who knows Clinton knows he has never been one to make a big deal about his birthday. But this year, let’s make it a little bit more memorable. Let’s remind him that he is not alone! 💪🏼

As Clinton continues fighting his second wrongful conviction, knowing that people across the country—and around the world—are standing with him means more than words can express.

Here’s how you can help make his day a little brighter:
🎂 Leave Clinton a birthday message in the comments. We’ll make sure he sees them.
📢 Share this post so more people can send their support.
❤️ If you’re able, consider donating to his commissary or phone account. Every donation received through Sunday will go directly toward his phone and commissary funds, helping him stay connected with the people who love and support him.

No one should spend their birthday in prison for a crime they did not commit. Until Clinton is finally home, let’s remind him that he is surrounded by a community that hasn’t forgotten him.

Happy Birthday, Clinton. We’re still fighting with you—and we won’t stop.

📸 Courtesy of Clinton (pictured with his son)

New message from Clinton! write ✍️ 📧

On Monday, the US Supreme Court denied Roman’s petition, without explanation. This hits especially hard for Roman and all the lawyers, law students, volunteers, and others who have been working on this case and supporting Roman in the last 7 years. 💔

Please leave Roman some uplifting words in the comments. We are already working on our next step, because there is one thing we will never do: give up and let an innocent man spend the rest of his life in prison.

If you want to give Roman something extra this month, whether for his commissary or phone, please considering donating. It will all go to him. 🙏🏼

Thank you to everyone who has followed this story over the years, who has donated, who has written to Roman, who has come to Texas and worked on this case, and many others! This story isn’t over yet. 💪🏼⚖️