Wednesday, February 5, 2025
CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
/
CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
/
CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
/
CRIME NEWS     CRIME ANALYSIS     TRUE CRIME STORIES
/
 December 19, 2024

Death Row Inmate in Oklahoma Admits Deserving Execution After Gruesome 2006 Murder

A harrowing clemency hearing in Oklahoma brings new revelations in a disturbing murder case that shocked the nation nearly two decades ago.

According to the New York Post, Kevin Ray Underwood, 44, facing execution for the brutal 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, declared during his clemency hearing that he deserves the death penalty for his heinous actions.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board unanimously rejected Underwood's clemency plea after he appeared via video from prison to address his crimes.

During the hearing, Underwood expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to the victim's family and his own. His execution is scheduled for Thursday, marking the 25th and final execution in the United States this year.

Disturbing Details of the Crime

Underwood lured his young neighbor Jamie to his Purcell apartment, where he committed unspeakable acts of violence. The convicted murderer beat the child with a cutting board before suffocating her.

Court records revealed that the killing was part of a cannibalistic and sexual fantasy, though he did not follow through with his intended acts of cannibalism.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond praised the board's decision, emphasizing the gravity of Underwood's crimes. The state's top prosecutor referred to Underwood as a "deeply evil monster" and stressed that the ruling ensures justice for Jamie Rose Bolin.

Assistant Attorney General Aspen Layman addressed the hearing, highlighting the calculated nature of the crime. She emphasized that Underwood specifically chose Jamie due to her vulnerability, viewing her as an easy target for his twisted plans.

Mental Health Defense Rejected

Underwood's legal team presented arguments centered on his extensive mental health history. They cited multiple diagnosed conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and deviant sexual paraphilias.

During the hearing, Underwood himself acknowledged the severity of his actions. Speaking directly to the board, he stated:

I recognize that although I do not want to die … I deserve to for what I did. And if my death could … change what I did, I would gladly die.

The state rejected mental health as a mitigating factor in the case. Assistant Attorney General Layman delivered a powerful response to this defense strategy, emphasizing societal expectations:

Mr. Underwood chose Jamie because he thought that she was small and defenseless and easy prey. And while we, as an enlightened society, can give grace to those struggling with mental illness, we can still expect them to refrain from planning the murder, rape, torture and cannibalism of 10-year-old little girls.

Final Days Approach

Kevin Ray Underwood faces execution by three-drug lethal injection on Thursday in Oklahoma. The execution follows closely behind another high-profile case, with Joseph Corcoran scheduled for execution in Indiana one day prior for the 1997 murders of four people, including his brother and his sister's fiancé.

The scheduled execution will mark the end of capital punishment cases in the United States in 2024. Oklahoma officials have confirmed that all preparations are in place to carry out the sentence as planned.

Why This Story Matters

This case not only highlights the extreme consequences of untreated mental health issues but also reminds us of the continuing debate over the morality and efficacy of the death penalty in modern jurisprudence.

It underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to justice that considers both punishment and rehabilitation, especially in cases involving mental health complexities.

Conclusion

Kevin Ray Underwood's execution will bring closure to a case that has haunted Oklahoma for nearly two decades.

The death row inmate's admission of guilt and acceptance of his punishment came during his final clemency hearing, where he expressed remorse for the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin.

The execution, scheduled for Thursday at an Oklahoma state facility, will proceed following the unanimous rejection of clemency by the state's Pardon and Parole Board. This case represents the final execution in the United States for 2024, concluding a year that saw 25 death sentences carried out across the country.

Related Posts

Written By: Rampart Stonebridge

I'm Rampart Stonebridge, a curious and passionate writer who can't get enough of true crime. As a criminal investigative journalist, I put on my detective hat, delving deep into each case to reveal the hidden truths. My mission? To share engaging stories and shed light on the complexities of our mysterious world, all while satisfying your curiosity about the intriguing realm of true crime.
Copyright © 2025 - U.S. Crime News | All Rights Reserved.
magnifier