Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Ray Underwood, an Oklahoma man, is scheduled for execution for the 2006 murder of Jamie Rose Bolin.
– This will be the 25th and final execution in the United States this year.
– The decision for execution arrived after a clemency hearing where the board voted 3-0 against clemency.
– Indiana conducted its first execution in 15 years this week.
– 53% of Americans support the death penalty for convicted murderers, while 23 of the 50 US states have abolished it.
Death Sentence for Oklahoma Man
In a chilling turn of events, an Oklahoma man who committed a heinous crime is slated for execution this Thursday. This execution will conclude the toll, making it the 25th and last one for the United States in the current year.
About the Convict
Kevin Ray Underwood, a former grocery store clerk, finds himself on the wrong side of the law. Having recently turned 45, Underwood is set to receive lethal injection at exactly 10:00 am Central Time at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, situated in McAlester. The reason? He committed an unforgettable crime back in 2006.
Unveiling the Crime
Underwood was found guilty of perpetrating the terrifying rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl – Jamie Rose Bolin. Tragically, the young girl happened to be the daughter of Underwood’s neighbors in Purcell, a town located 40 miles south of Oklahoma City. Bolin faced a horrific end as she was assaulted with a wooden kitchen cutting board before being suffocated.
Convict’s Confession and Regret
Underwood confessed to his extraordinary guilt and expressed his profound remorse during a recent clemency hearing. Despite his wish not to die, he acknowledged deserving execution for his actions. He offered apologies to both the victim’s family and his own.
Clemency Denied: The Board Verdict
His regret notwithstanding, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board denied Underwood clemency, a verdict welcomed by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Believing that justice is being served, Drummond commended the board’s decision while expressing satisfaction that the long-awaited execution will provide some closure to the victim’s family.
Other Executions This Year
The United States has borne witness to a total of 24 prior executions of convicted murderers this year. While most used lethal injection, a controversial method involving nitrogen gas was employed in three cases. In a notable development, the midwestern state of Indiana conducted its first execution in 15 years.
State of Death Penalty in the US
People’s opinion on capital punishment varies widely, with a slight majority currently favoring the death penalty for convicted murderers. On the contrary, an impressive 23 of the 50 US states have renounced the death penalty altogether, while another six have enforced moratoriums.
In Conclusion
The scheduled execution of Kevin Ray Underwood shines an unsettling light on heinous crimes and the justice system’s response. As the year draws to an end, America reflects on the grim reality of capital punishment and continues to grapple with its place in a modern and humane society.