State of Oklahoma executes Kevin Underwood
*WARNING* Details within this article may be disturbing for some. Discretion is advised.
MCALESTER, Okla. (KFOR) - The State of Oklahoma executed death row inmate Kevin Underwood on Thursday, December 19.
Officials say Underwood killed 10-year-old Jaime Rose Bolin in April 2006. While loved ones were searching for Bolin, her body had been in Underwood’s apartment. He told police in the confession video that he planned on eating parts of her body.
His execution has been complicated due to changes on the Pardon and Parole Board, with two of Governor Kevin Stitt’s appointees resigning. One of them, Calvin Prince, is under investigation.
Underwood sued the Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday, December 4, in Oklahoma City federal court over its plans to move forward with his clemency hearing. His attorneys argued he deserves a fair opportunity to present his case for clemency to a five-member parole board.
However, a judge denied it.
A stay was granted on Monday, December 9 and the clemency hearing was rescheduled for Friday, December 12.
The board recommended that Underwood be denied clemency.
“I am pleased the board voted to deny clemency for this deeply evil monster and ensured that justice will be delivered for Jamie Rose Bolin,” Drummond said. “Jamie’s family has waited 18 excruciating years for justice that finally will be carried out when this murderer is executed.” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding the vote.
The state executed Underwood just after 10 a.m. on Thursday.
“Justice for Jamie finally was served this morning with the execution of the depraved murderer who took her away from her family and loved ones,” Drummond added. “I pray that Jamie's family and all who continue to mourn her loss find a sense of peace after today’s action.”
Bolin's sister, Lori Pate, released a statement following the execution.
"On behalf of Jamie's family we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the Attorney General and the hard work and determination demonstrated by the prosecutors, 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 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."
The Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP) also released a statement.
“Kevin Underwood was ostracized, shamed and bullied by his parents and his classmates. It contributed to his isolation and mental illness. It led him to commit an unspeakable horror against ten year old Jamie Bolin. We grieve for Jamie and Kevin and the senseless loss of their lives.” said Rev. Don Heath, OK-CADP Chair.