Kevin Ray Underwood Executed: The Shocking End to a Cannibalistic Nightmare

In a somber conclusion to a horrific crime that shocked the nation, Kevin Ray Underwood was executed on December 19, 2024, bringing closure to a case that had haunted the community for nearly two decades. The 45-year-old convicted murderer met his final fate through lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, marking the 25th and final execution in the United States for the year.

The execution stems from Underwood’s brutal murder of Jamie Rose Bolin, a 10-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short in 2006. Known affectionately as “Coppertop” by her family, Jamie was a bright, cheerful fifth-grader whose innocence was brutally stolen by a man with deeply disturbing psychological issues.

A Crime Beyond Comprehension

Underwood’s criminal act was nothing short of monstrous. He lured young Jamie into his apartment, where he committed unspeakable acts of violence. Prosecutors revealed that he beat her with a cutting board, suffocated her, and sexually assaulted her before nearly decapitating her body. Perhaps most chilling were his admitted cannibalistic fantasies that went beyond the already horrific murder.

The legal proceedings moved swiftly after his arrest. In 2008, a jury found Underwood guilty of first-degree murder, subsequently sentencing him to death. His clemency request was unanimously rejected by the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, clearing the way for his execution.

Defense and Mental Health

Underwood’s legal team attempted to paint a complex picture of the killer, arguing that he suffered from severe mental health challenges. They highlighted:

1. Diagnosed autism spectrum disorder
2. Multiple personality disorders
3. Significant psychological impairments

Despite these arguments, the court remained resolute in its decision to carry out the death penalty.

The Final Moments

At 10:14 a.m., Underwood was pronounced dead after receiving Oklahoma’s standard three-drug lethal injection protocol. In his final moments, he offered an apology to Jamie’s family and his own, acknowledging the “terrible things” he had done.

“I’m sorry for what I did,” Underwood reportedly said, criticizing the timing of his execution on his birthday and near Christmas as “needlessly cruel.”

Family and Community Response

Jamie’s sister, Lori Pate, provided a poignant perspective on the execution. “This won’t bring Jamie back,” she stated, “but it allows our family to begin healing.” The execution drew mixed reactions, with demonstrators outside the governor’s mansion reflecting the ongoing debate about capital punishment.

Broader Context

Underwood’s execution represents a significant moment in Oklahoma’s judicial history. The state has now carried out a total of 210 executions since 1915, with this being the fourth in 2024. Nationally, the number of executions continues to decline, with fewer than 30 carried out across the United States this year.

Reflection on Justice

The case of Kevin Ray Underwood serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human depravity and the complex moral questions surrounding capital punishment. While no execution can undo the pain inflicted on Jamie’s family, the legal system sought to provide a measure of justice for a life cruelly and senselessly taken.

As the nation reflects on this final execution of 2024, the memory of Jamie Rose Bolin—a young girl whose potential was brutally extinguished—remains a powerful testament to the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.

Note: This article is based on multiple verified news sources and court documents, presenting a factual account of the events surrounding Kevin Ray Underwood’s execution.