Kevin Ray Underwood, convicted of murdering 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin in a cannibalistic fantasy, was executed by lethal injection Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.
Execution marked by apology
Strapped to a gurney, Underwood apologized to Jamie’s family and his own, expressing regret for his actions. “The decision to execute me on my birthday and six days before Christmas was a needlessly cruel thing to do to my family,” he said, “but I’m very sorry for what I did and I wish I could take it back.”
The execution began at 10:04 a.m. using a three-drug protocol. Underwood was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m.
18 years of pain for victim’s family
Jamie’s sister, Lori Pate, witnessed the execution and expressed gratitude toward prosecutors for their support during the 18-year legal process. “This doesn’t bring our Jamie back but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin,” she said.
Crime and legal battles
Underwood, a former grocery store worker, was convicted of luring Jamie into his apartment in 2006, where he killed and assaulted her as part of a twisted fantasy. He abandoned plans to cannibalize her after the crime.
Defense attorneys argued for clemency due to Underwood’s severe mental health issues, including autism and several psychiatric disorders, but Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole Board unanimously denied the request.
A last-minute appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the legality of his clemency hearing was also rejected hours before the execution.
The year’s final execution
Underwood’s execution was the 25th and final in the U.S. for 2024, marking the end of a year with the fewest executions since 2021. Oklahoma carried out four executions this year, contributing to the nationwide total.
