Execution on His Birthday

In a chilling turn of events, Kevin Underwood was executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary on Thursday morning, coincidentally marking his 45th birthday. This execution was not just a mere formality; it concluded the haunting case of the 2006 murder of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, which was marred by Underwood's grotesque cannibalistic fantasies.

Final Moments of Remorse

Prior to the lethal injection, Underwood expressed remorse during his final moments, expressing sorrow not only to the victim’s family but also to his own. Strapped to a gurney, he stated, “I am very sorry for what I did, and I wish I could take it back.” However, he also labeled the choice to execute him on his birthday and just days before Christmas as "needlessly cruel" to his loved ones.

The Horrific Crime

The crime itself was horrifying. Underwood, then 26, lured young Jamie into his apartment under the guise of goodwill after she left the library, only to subject her to unspeakable violence. He confessed to beating her with a cutting board, smothering her, sexually assaulting her after her death, and nearly decapitating her. Gruesomely, he had intended to carry out acts of cannibalism, possessing items such as meat tenderizer and barbecue skewers in his home.

Confession and Conviction

After his apprehension, Underwood showed no remorse as he confessed to law enforcement, stating, “Go ahead and arrest me. She is in there. I chopped her up.” His chilling admission led to a conviction for first-degree murder in April 2008.

Appeals and Execution

Despite his pleas for clemency, citing a troubled background that included autism, PTSD, and a schizotypal personality disorder, the state upheld the execution, making Underwood the fourth individual to face the death penalty in Oklahoma this year and the 25th nationally.

Reflections of Jamie's Family

As the state moves forward, the family of Jamie Rose Bolin can finally begin to find peace, as her sister, Lori Pate, reflected on the execution saying, “This doesn’t bring our Jamie back, but it does allow the space in our hearts to focus on her and allow the healing process to begin.”

A Last Meal and a Grim Reminder

Underwood’s last meal included a strange assortment of comfort food—chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, pinto beans, and a cheeseburger, reminding us of the life and normalcy that brutal crime brutally snatched away.

Conclusion

This case stands as a grim reminder of the darkest corners of human nature and the ultimate consequences faced by those who can’t battle their inner demons. Let this tragedy be a stark warning: evil sometimes lies behind the most unassuming facades.