ICYMI: Oklahoma Man Who Killed 10-Year-Old Girl in Horrific Cannibal Plot Executed
A brutal crime, a life-ending execution, and a haunting tale that shocked a nation—Kevin Ray Underwood’s dark fantasy ends on his birthday in Oklahoma. 🌐 #News #OklahomaCityOK #Oklahoma #Crime
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – In a chilling twist of fate, Kevin Ray Underwood was executed in Oklahoma on his 45th birthday for the brutal murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin. Underwood, who once fantasized about cannibalizing his victim, was pronounced dead by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on Thursday morning. His execution marked the nation’s 25th and final execution of 2024, capping off a year of intense legal battles and unsettling details surrounding his crime.
A Grisly Crime with Shocking Details
The horrific crime took place in 2006 when Underwood, a grocery store worker, lured Jamie into his apartment. After beating her with a cutting board, he suffocated and sexually assaulted her. Underwood later confessed that he had plans to decapitate Jamie in his bathtub and eat her, though he abandoned those plans after nearly beheading her. His disturbing admission shocked investigators and led to his conviction.
Underwood’s crime was one of the most grotesque in Oklahoma’s history, with the details leaving a lasting impact on both the victim’s family and the community. His desire to carry out a cannibalistic act was central to the case, making the execution one of the most high-profile in recent years.
Appeals for Clemency Denied
In a final attempt to delay the execution, Underwood’s attorneys argued that he should be spared due to his long history of severe mental health issues. They pointed to his diagnoses of autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges, suggesting these conditions impaired his judgment and contributed to his actions. However, prosecutors countered that while mental illness is widespread, it does not justify the horrific crime he committed.
During his clemency hearing, Underwood expressed remorse, apologizing to both Jamie’s family and his own for the horrific acts he had committed. Despite this, the state’s Pardon and Parole Board voted against recommending clemency. The decision was followed by a final legal effort to halt the execution. Underwood’s legal team petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that his rights were violated by a rescheduled hearing with fewer board members. However, the Court rejected the appeal, paving the way for the execution to proceed.
The Final Moments and Execution
Underwood was executed at 10:14 a.m. on Thursday, marking the end of a long and controversial legal saga. Oklahoma’s three-drug lethal injection process was used, beginning with midazolam, followed by a paralytic agent and a heart-stopping drug. The execution was the fourth in Oklahoma this year, and it concluded the U.S. execution tally for 2024.
The death penalty has been a contentious issue in Oklahoma, with numerous legal and moral debates surrounding its use. This execution is likely to be remembered not only for its grim details but also for the long-standing discussions it has ignited about justice, mental illness, and the death penalty itself.
The execution of Kevin Ray Underwood, though bringing closure to a tragic chapter, does little to ease the pain that still lingers in the hearts of those who knew Jamie Rose Bolin. Her family, forever scarred by this horrific act, carries with them a profound sense of loss. As we reflect on this tragedy, we are reminded of the words in Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” May those affected find strength and solace, knowing they are not alone in their sorrow.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Oklahoma
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