Christa Pike's request for her tablet may be a hopeful sign about her recovery, reporter says

A small detail from Wednesday's court hearing in the Christa Pike case is being read as encouraging news about her health.

Pike's lawyers asked that she get back the tablet she used in prison to communicate. Los Angeles Magazine reporter Lauren Conlin said in a streamed interview that Pike wanting to message friends, family and her lawyers could be a good sign that she did not suffer the severe brain damage many feared after Tennessee's failed attempt to execute her.

Why the evidence order matters

Conlin also pointed to the judge's order requiring the state to preserve evidence from the Sept. 30 execution attempt. She said Pike's lawyers want the actual pentobarbital tested. She also suggested the order could also help with a possible civil case against Tennessee.

She said Pike's team could have a real chance of keeping her alive, especially since her lawyers had warned before the execution that her medical issues could make lethal injection dangerous.

A week before a visit

Conlin said one detail stood out: according to Pike's attorneys, they were not able to see her in person until Wednesday, nearly a week after the failed execution.