Oklahoma is set to execute Kevin Ray Underwood, who was convicted of the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, marking the 25th and final execution in the United States for 2024. (AP News)
Underwood, now 45, lured his young neighbor into his apartment in Purcell, Oklahoma, where he brutally assaulted and killed her as part of a cannibalistic fantasy. He confessed to the crime, expressing remorse during his clemency hearing, stating, "I can't believe I did those things."
Despite his expressions of remorse and his attorneys highlighting his history of abuse and mental health issues, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board unanimously denied clemency. Assistant Attorney General Aspen Layman emphasized the brutality of Underwood's crime during the hearing.
Underwood's execution is scheduled to take place at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, coinciding with his 45th birthday. This execution will be Oklahoma's fourth in 2024, contributing to the nationwide total of 25 executions for the year.
The case has drawn attention to the complexities of the death penalty, particularly concerning individuals with documented mental health issues. Underwood's legal team argued that his mental health should be a mitigating factor, but state officials maintained that the severity of his crime warranted the death penalty.
As the nation reflects on this final execution of the year, debates continue over the application of capital punishment, especially in cases involving mental health considerations. Underwood's case underscores the ongoing complexities and moral questions surrounding the death penalty in the United States.
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