Girl’s Family is Urging Respect for Suspect’s Kin
By Chad Previch, The Daily Oklahoman
Apr. 17–PURCELL — Family members of 10-year-old Jamie Rose Bolin on Easter wept as they urged residents not to blame her accused killer’s family and to treat them with respect.
On the same day, Kevin Underwood’s mother tearfully told The Oklahoman that she is sorry for the pain caused by her son and that the family still loves him.
Standing near a memorial that swelled Sunday to cover a tree with balloons, stuffed animals, cards and a purple Easter egg at her cousin’s apartment, Nikki Chiles said children should treat Underwood’s sister with the same dignity they would show Jamie.
“We don’t blame his family,” Chiles said. “We just don’t want people to think we blame them.”
Jamie’s family spent Easter purchasing a flower and a card they planned on signing for her. Chiles said they’ve also been thinking about Underwood’s family.
On Saturday, authorities released details into Underwood’s confession.
Police claim Jamie was hit on the head three times Wednesday with a wooden cutting board and smothered by Underwood’s hand and duct tape.
They claim Underwood, who lived in an apartment below Jamie, told investigators he tried to cut off her head and sexually molested her after she died.
Jamie’s body was found with deep saw marks to her neck in an apparent attempt to decapitate the body.
Underwood was stopped at a police checkpoint Friday evening and then arrested.
Connie Underwood, Kevin Underwood’s mother, said she was relieved to hear Jamie’s father and other relatives don’t blame them.
“I’m just so sorry about what happened to that little girl,” she said weeping. “I just wanted to tell him how much we are sorry. I don’t know how this happened. I’m just glad they don’t hate us.”
Kevin Underwood was never in trouble, was a hard worker and was trying to improve his life, his mother said.
She said she doesn’t know what led to her son planning a gruesome homicide but that her son suffers from social anxiety and had started retaking medication six or seven weeks ago.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and said a first-degree murder charge will be filed today.
The family has not hired an attorney for Kevin Underwood, and his mother said one will be appointed. They have not talked to him since the arrest.
“I would tell him that I love him,” she said. “He’s done horrible things but we’ll always love him. He’s our son. You can’t change that.
“We’ll help him in any way we can.”
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