A convicted child killer faced his final moments on death row as Oklahoma carried out its last execution of 2024.

According to Breitbart, Kevin Ray Underwood was executed by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on Thursday, which coincided with his 45th birthday, despite a clemency petition citing his mental health conditions.

The execution proceeded after state officials rejected appeals based on Underwood's diagnosed conditions, including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

His death sentence stemmed from the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, whom he sexually assaulted and attempted to behead as part of what prosecutors described as a cannibalistic fantasy.

Legal Battle Over Mental Health Defense

Defense attorneys mounted an aggressive campaign to halt the execution, emphasizing Underwood's complex mental health history. Their efforts included organizing a petition through Death Penalty Action that gathered nearly 6,000 signatures.

The petition's core argument centered on the ethical implications of executing someone with documented mental illness and autism spectrum disorder.

State prosecutors forcefully countered these claims, maintaining that Underwood's crimes demonstrated careful planning and awareness. They emphasized that his mental health conditions could not explain or excuse the brutality of his actions against the young victim.

The clemency board's decision to proceed with the execution reflected their agreement with the prosecution's position that Underwood's mental state did not warrant mercy. This ruling came despite growing national debate about executing individuals with severe mental health conditions.

Victim's Family Seeks Closure After Execution

Before his execution, Underwood offered a final statement of remorse to the parole board. He said:

I would like to apologize to the victim's family, to my own family and to everyone in that room today that had to hear the horrible details of what I did.

Following the execution, Jamie's sister, Lori Pate, delivered an emotional statement expressing both gratitude and ongoing grief. She stated:

On behalf of Jamie's family, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the Attorney General and the work and the determination demonstrated by the prosecutors and the investigators and all involved who have not only held the responsible party accountable but have also provided a sense of closure for our grieving family.

We would also like to send out a heartfelt thanks to Greg Mashburn, who has been with us since the beginning. This does not bring our Jamie back, but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin.

Oklahoma Death Row Statistics Update

Oklahoma's death row population has shown significant changes over recent years. Current data from the Death Penalty Information Center indicates that 33 inmates remain on Oklahoma's death row following Underwood's execution.

The state's approach to capital punishment continues to draw national attention. Oklahoma maintains its position as one of the most active states in carrying out death sentences despite ongoing debates about the practice.

Recent executions in Oklahoma have faced intense scrutiny from human rights organizations and mental health advocates. These groups consistently challenge the state's protocols and selection criteria for death row inmates.

Final Chapter Unfolds In Tragic Case

Kevin Ray Underwood's execution marked the conclusion of a criminal case that horrified Oklahoma residents in 2006. His death by lethal injection proceeded at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, coinciding with what would be his final birthday.

The execution represents the end of a lengthy legal process that began with Underwood's arrest and subsequent conviction for the murder of Jamie Rose Bolin. Despite claims about his mental health status and a petition garnering thousands of signatures, state officials maintained that justice required carrying out the death sentence for his crimes against the 10-year-old victim.

Why This Story Matters

This case serves as a grim reminder of the darkest capabilities of human behavior and underscores the need for vigilance in our communities. It highlights the importance of mental health support and robust legal processes to deal with crimes of such a severe nature.

In conclusion, Underwood’s execution closes a dark chapter for the Bolin family and the community. This case reiterates the necessity of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system and ensuring that justice comprehensively serves both the victims and societal safety.