Underwood is scheduled to be executed, making it the fourth execution in the state this year and the 25th in the nation. As the day of his execution nears, USA TODAY is reflecting on Underwood’s background, the crime for which he was convicted, and the circumstances that led him down a path ending in the tragic murder of a young girl.
Living on the fringes, Underwood struggled to connect with others, both peers and family members, throughout his life. Court documents describe him as being perceived as “odd” and “different,” a social outcast who experienced bullying and relied on friends and family for support. His relationship with his parents was strained, with his father hoping that Underwood would overcome his depression and anxiety issues, while also feeling pressure to live up to his father’s expectations.
Underwood’s mother’s episodes of extreme violence added to his anxiety, leading him to work in fast food and grocery stores after leaving college due to panic attacks. His mental health deteriorated over time, leading him to seek solace online and retreat into a world of fantasy. Diagnosed with multiple psychiatric disorders, including schizotypal personality disorder and bipolar disorder, Underwood struggled with his mental health for years.
Despite multiple appeals, Underwood was convicted of first-degree murder in 2008 and sentenced to death in an Oklahoma state court. His appeals claiming trial errors and ineffective assistance of counsel were dismissed, with the U.S. Supreme Court denying his final appeal in 2019. Clemency was his last hope for reprieve, but it was not granted after years of legal battles.
Kevin Underwood has been challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s method of execution statute in an attempt to delay his execution. Now, his legal team has appealed to the state Pardon and Parole Board to take into account his mental health issues and background when making their decision. Underwood is scheduled to be executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on Thursday morning, which also happens to be his 45th birthday.
The clemency petition obtained by the Oklahoman highlights Kevin’s history of abuse and struggles with mental health, portraying him as a person who spiraled out of control due to a lack of assistance. His actions, as described in the petition, are attributed to a dark path influenced by his exposure to harmful content on the internet.
The family of Jamie Rose Bolin, the young victim of Underwood’s heinous crime, is seeking closure and justice. Jamie, known affectionately as “Coppertop,” was a Girl Scout with hobbies like singing, sewing, and watching movies. Her tragic disappearance and murder devastated her family, who continue to hold onto memories of her while awaiting closure.
In a victim impact statement, Jamie’s sister, Lori Pate, expressed that Underwood does not deserve clemency and must face the consequences for his actions. According to court documents, Underwood confessed to abducting Jamie with the intention of committing unspeakable acts before taking her life.
Underwood’s chilling account of the events leading to Jamie’s death paints a disturbing picture of his actions. He admitted to luring Jamie into his apartment under false pretenses before subjecting her to a brutal assault and ultimately ending her life. The details of his depraved intentions and actions have shocked the community and left Jamie’s family grappling with unimaginable grief.
Efforts to locate Jamie ended tragically when her body was discovered in Underwood’s apartment, hidden in a plastic tub. The gruesome details of the crime and Underwood’s confession have left a lasting impact on all those involved, emphasizing the need for justice and closure for Jamie’s loved ones.
“Please proceed with my arrest… She’s in there. I struck her and dismembered her,” confessed Underwood. “I know I’ll pay for my sins in the afterlife.” This information was contributed by Johnny Johnson and Chad Previch of The Oklahoman.
