An Oklahoma man convicted of brutally killing a child and planning to eat her flesh is set to be executed.
Kevin Ray Underwood murdered 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin, a neighbor in Purcell, after months of planning her abduction, rape, and death. Underwood is scheduled for execution on December 19.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has urged the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board to deny clemency for Underwood, stating, “Kevin Underwood is a deeply evil monster who committed an unthinkable murder that took a 10-year-old child away from her parents and loved ones. The death penalty is the only appropriate punishment in this case and I urge the Pardon and Parole Board to reject clemency and ensure justice for Jamie.”
In Arizona, executions are set to resume after a two-year hiatus, according to the state’s top prosecutor.
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced on Wednesday that she will soon seek an execution warrant for Aaron Brian Gunches, a death row inmate convicted of murdering his girlfriend’s ex-husband.
Mayes shared that her office had been preparing to reinstate the death penalty this year, working closely with state corrections officials to review and improve procedures. Governor Katie Hobbs had previously pledged not to enforce executions until the state could guarantee it was done lawfully, with the Attorney General’s office supporting the same stance.
While a review of the death penalty procedures was in progress, the Attorney General’s office had refrained from seeking a court order to implement executions. However, that review, which Governor Hobbs had ordered, concluded this month when she dismissed the retired federal magistrate leading it.
Christian Slater, the governor’s spokesperson, confirmed that Hobbs “remains committed to upholding the law while ensuring justice is carried out in a way that’s transparent and humane.”
Corrections officials have conducted a thorough review of policies and procedures, making key improvements to ensure executions meet legal and constitutional standards, Slater added. The Attorney General has predicted that executions could resume by early 2025, once the review is complete.
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