Oklahoma gave a lethal injection on Thursday to Kevin Ray Underwood. This marks the 25th and final execution in the United States this year.
Underwood met his death on his 45th birthday.
The former grocery store worker was sentenced to death for the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, a crime that he admitted was part of a disturbing cannibalistic fantasy.
The execution took place at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. This marks Oklahoma’s fourth execution in 2024.
Underwood confessed to luring the young girl into his apartment under false pretenses before attacking her over the head with a cutting board. He suffocated her, sexually assaulted her, and nearly beheaded her in his bathtub. Investigators revealed that Underwood had planned to engage in cannibalistic acts but abandoned his plans.
Oklahoma’s execution process involves a three-drug lethal injection protocol designed to carry out the sentence. The procedure begins with midazolam, a sedative, followed by a paralytic drug, and concludes with a drug that stops the heart.
During a recent clemency hearing, Underwood expressed remorse, apologizing to Jamie’s family and acknowledging the horrific nature of his actions. Despite his statements, the state’s Pardon and Parole Board unanimously denied his clemency request.
Underwood’s attorneys argued that his mental health history should have spared him from the death penalty. Diagnosed with multiple disorders, including autism, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, his defense team emphasized the role these conditions played in his actions. They also highlighted a history of abuse and neglect in his life.
However, prosecutors countered that Underwood’s crimes were not merely the result of mental illness but rather a manifestation of his calculated, deviant desires. They portrayed him as a dangerous individual whose actions could not be excused by his diagnosis.
The emotional toll of this case has been profound, particularly for the families involved. Jamie Rose Bolin’s family members have remained steadfast in their calls for justice, describing their ongoing pain and loss. During the clemency hearing, Jamie’s father, Curtis Bolin, attempted to address the board but was overcome with emotion and unable to complete his statement.
Meanwhile, Underwood’s mother pleaded for mercy, expressing regret for her son’s actions and wishing she had recognized his pain earlier.
Prosecutors have maintained that Underwood’s execution is necessary to ensure public safety and accountability. They argued that his calculated actions demonstrated a level of organization and intent that went beyond the influence of his mental health struggles.
By opposing clemency, they sought to emphasize the gravity of his crime and the need for justice.