Inmate executed for 2006 murder of 10-year-old girl
MCALESTER, Okla. (KFOR) – After over 15 years on death row, Kevin Underwood was officially executed Thursday morning, on his birthday, for the murder of Jamie Rose Bolin in 2006.
"Today, justice was done for Jamie,” District Attorney Greg Mashburn said.
It’s been 18 years since Bolin’s murder in Purcell. Thursday morning, her killer Kevin Ray Underwood was executed.
"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,” Bolin’s older sister Lori Pate said.
In 2006, Bolin was found in Underwood’s apartment. He later confessed to police that he planned to eat parts of her body.
"The death penalty in Oklahoma is reserved for the worst of the worst,” Mashburn siad. “This case was exactly that."
His execution was complicated due to two of Governor Kevin Stitt’s pardon and parole board appointees resigning. However, they still planned to move forward with his clemency hearing. Underwood sued them in federal court in early Dec. and argued that they should be able to present their case to a 5 member board. A judge denied that and the board eventually recommended denying clemency.
Witnesses recalled Underwood’s last words Thursday.
"He said, I would like to apologize again for all the terrible things I did,” Sean Murphy with the Associated Press said. "I hate that I did those things. I wish I could take them back."
His time of death was 10:14 a.m. Attorney General Gentner Drummond released a statement that can be read in full below.
“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. I pray that Jamie's family and all who continue to mourn her loss find a sense of peace after today’s action.” – said Drummond.
"I'm thankful that justice was able to be done for Jamie and that this chapter's closed,” Mashburn said.
His last meal was chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans with a hot roll cheeseburger and fries with ketchup. He also had cola from a canteen. Officials also said they offer inmates sedatives during the process, and they are rarely taken, but Underwood took a Xanax the night before and the morning of the execution.