Amid legal proceedings and emotional appeals, the fate of Oklahoma death row inmate Kevin Underwood, convicted for the 2006 murder of a 10-year-old girl, remains uncertain as his clemency hearing is rescheduled for tomorrow. The hearing had been delayed due to a shortage of members on the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board following the resignation of two members.

According to KOCO, Kevin Underwood, convicted of the brutal murder of Jamie Rose Bolin and plans for cannibalism, is scheduled for execution by lethal injection on Thursday next week. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has strongly opposed clemency, emphasizing the severity of Underwood's crimes and expressing confidence that the board will likely reject mercy. However, Underwood's attorneys argue that their client should receive clemency due to mental illness.

Legal complications have increased following the resignation of board members, which caused delays in Underwood's clemency hearing. Despite Governor Kevin Stitt appointing a new member to fill one of the vacant seats, the board remains short-handed. This week, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a stay, allowing the clemency proceedings to proceed with only four, or possibly three, of the intended five board members, as reported by The Oklahoman. The board asserts that, according to their understanding, a quorum only requires three members.

The case has been further complicated by the emotional toll on the victim's family, who have endured the lengthy legal process far longer than Jamie Rose Bolin lived. Jessica Stegner, Jamie's aunt, expressed frustration over the continuous delays and legal battles, which have overshadowed their efforts to remember Jamie. "Because of how long this case has gone on, some of Jamie’s family were never able to see justice served," Stegner told News9. Family members, like Jamie’s father, are facing the uncertainty and rescheduling with anxiety, with some postponing urgent medical treatments just to attend the hearing.

This week will conclude with Underwood's rescheduled clemency hearing. Despite the board's absences, it is determined to proceed with the hearing and keep the execution scheduled for next Thursday. The Oklahoma Attorney General's office stated that, despite the stay, they are pursuing all legal options to ensure the hearing takes place this week and the execution remains on schedule.