Kevin Ray Underwood was executed by lethal injection in Oklahoma, drawing the curtain on a harrowing case that began nearly two decades ago with the tragic death of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin in 2006.

The execution marked the final legal execution in the U.S. for 2024, reflecting a culmination of prolonged legal battles and emotional pleas for justice, as Breitbart reports.

Underwood was convicted for his chilling crimes against Bolin, who was lured into his home, beaten, and suffocated.

In a confession that startled investigators, Underwood admitted to sexually assaulting the young girl and almost decapitating her in his bathtub. He later confessed to harboring a plan to consume her but ultimately abandoned this gruesome idea.

Defense Cites Mental Health Challenges

Throughout the trial, Underwood's defense sought to highlight his mental health struggles as a factor influencing his actions.

Diagnosed with autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the defense argued these conditions impacted his behavior. Despite these assertions, a jury found Underwood guilty, leading to his death sentence.

Supporters of Underwood campaigned against the execution, presenting a petition with nearly 6,000 signatures urging reconsideration due to his mental health issues.

However, the Oklahoma clemency board dismissed his plea for clemency last week, upholding the court's original decision.

Prosecutors Emphasize Underwood’s Motive

Prosecutors maintained that Underwood's crimes were driven by "deviant sexual desires" and not solely due to mental illness. This perspective was underscored in their written statements urging rejection of his clemency request. They described Underwood as "smart, organized, and driven" by harmful impulses, emphasizing the severity of his actions against Jamie Rose Bolin.

As the execution date approached, public attention turned to the impact on Jamie's family. Her sister, Lori Pate, conveyed the family's gratitude to the legal team involved.

Pate recognized the efforts of various professionals, including Attorney General’s Office staff and Greg Mashburn, praising their commitment to justice.

While acknowledging that justice could not reverse their loss, she noted the closure provided by the execution offered a chance for familial healing.

Underwood Expresses Remorse Before Execution

On the day of his execution, Underwood expressed remorse for his actions. In a statement given before witnesses, he apologized to Jamie's family and others present, acknowledging the suffering caused by his actions.

Kevin Ray Underwood's execution was performed on his 45th birthday, concluding his chapter in the Oklahoma justice system, which still has 33 inmates on death row.

The execution generated mixed reactions, blending relief among those who sought justice for Jamie with calls for more attention to mental health advocacy within the justice system. The case has been a lasting reminder of the complex intersections between criminal actions and mental health disorders.

Final Execution of 2024

This case serves as a stark conclusion to the year's death penalty cases in the United States. It highlights ongoing debates about the death penalty and its application, particularly involving defendants with mental health issues.

The crime, prosecution, and subsequent execution of Underwood reflect enduring questions about the justice system's role in addressing such deeply disturbing incidents. As Oklahoma navigates the next legal steps involving its remaining death row inmates, Jamie Rose Bolin's case remains a focal point for discussions about the intersection of mental health and capital punishment.

Looking ahead, Jamie's family must now navigate the enduring void left by her absence, supported by the justice system’s finality, while grappling with the pain that memory inevitably brings.