Kevin Ray Underwood was executed by lethal injection in Oklahoma on December 19, 2024, for the brutal murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, marking the final execution in the U.S. for the year.

Underwood's execution, the 25th in the United States for 2024, closes a year marked by ongoing debates over capital punishment, mental health issues in offenders, and the quest for justice by victims' families. The brutal nature of Underwood's crime, which involved the horrific assault and murder of Bolin, coupled with his significant mental health challenges and a unanimous denial of clemency, highlights the complexities surrounding the application of the death penalty.

Underwood was sentenced to death after being convicted of luring Jamie Rose Bolin into his apartment in 2006. Following the abduction, he subjected her to extreme violence, beating her with a cutting board before ultimately suffocating her. Underwood also attempted to decapitate Bolin in his bathtub and had expressed intentions to cannibalize her, a plan he abandoned. These details paint a harrowing picture of the crime, which continues to resonate with both the victim's family and the public.

As he faced execution on what was to be his 45th birthday, Underwood's last meal consisted of several hearty items, including chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans, a hot roll, a cheeseburger, and fries with ketchup. This meal choice, like many last meals requested by death row inmates, reflects a sense of normalcy before facing the finality of death.

During a clemency hearing prior to his execution, Underwood expressed remorse for his actions and offered an apology to Bolin's family, stating that he was sorry for the pain he had caused. However, these statements did not sway the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, which voted unanimously against granting clemency, citing the heinous nature of the crime as a determining factor.

Prosecutors emphasized during the proceedings that, while Underwood had a documented history of mental health issues, these did not justify his actions. Underwood was diagnosed with various disorders, including autism, which his attorneys argued were significant factors in his mental state during the crime. Despite this, the court maintained that the brutality of the murder warranted the death sentence, saying his mental health issues could not provide a valid defense.

Throughout his life, Underwood struggled with social integration and was often described as a social outcast. His past behavior raised further concerns, especially evident from his blog where he jokingly referenced cannibalism, adding a disturbing layer to his characterization and psychological profile. This deeply troubling behavior contributed to the overall perception of danger he posed.

Following Underwood's execution, the family of Jamie Rose Bolin expressed that they felt justice had been served. For the victim's family, the end of Underwood's life brought a sense of closure after years of trauma and heartache stemming from their daughter's brutal murder. They voiced relief that what transpired could no longer affect their lives, indicating that the criminal justice system had fulfilled its role in administering capital punishment.

As discussions on capital punishment continue to evolve, Underwood's execution underscores the severe consequences of his violent crime, specifically the brutal murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin. While Underwood had a history of mental health issues, prosecutors highlighted that these conditions do not justify his actions.

Underwood was pronounced dead at 10:14 AM at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.