A man who killed and nearly beheaded a 10-year-old girl in a disturbing cannibalistic fantasy was executed in Oklahoma on Thursday.
Kevin Ray Underwood's crime, which shocked the community, occurred in 2006 when he lured Jamie Rose Bolin into his apartment and brutally murdered her. According to reports, he intended to consume her remains.
Despite suffering from significant mental health issues, Underwood admitted to the crime and was convicted in 2008.
Over the years, his legal team attempted to delay his execution, citing his history of abuse and mental illness.
On December 19 at 10:14 a.m., Underwood was executed by lethal injection on his 45th birthday, following multiple attempts to delay his death sentence, according to the New York Post.
Despite his lawyers' arguments that he should be spared due to mental health issues, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board unanimously voted against clemency.
His execution was the final one of 2024 in the United States and the fourth in the state this year.
Family members of both Underwood and Bolin spoke at the clemency hearing, with Bolin's relatives expressing that justice could only be achieved through Underwood's execution.
"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 sister, Lori Pate, said.
Originally published by Latin Times
