Attorneys representing death row inmate Christa Pike have appeared in court to request a judicial order requiring the state of Tennessee to preserve all evidence tied to her unsuccessful execution.

The emergency legal filing from her defense team is expected to establish the foundation for a future lawsuit against the state regarding the severe complications that occurred during the procedure. According to her legal representatives, Pike regained consciousness and has begun speaking in a limited capacity.

Pike remains hospitalized and under medical supervision after surviving two administrations of the lethal drug pentobarbital during the attempt. She originally received her death sentence following her conviction for the 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer.