Testimony, details presented in murder trial

NEWS 9

Testimonies continued Wednesday morning in the murder trial of Kevin Underwood.

Jolene Russell, a criminalist with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigators, took the stand Wednesday morning and reported on what was found inside Underwood's Purcell apartment two years ago. Russell testified Wednesday that the apartment had a strong odor of cleaning solution and air freshener when she went inside.

The criminalist said she found Jamie Bolin's body inside Underwood's one-bedroom apartment, along with part of her bicycle, three swords, a hacksaw, rope, duct tape and a plastic drop cloth.  Pill bottles containing the antidepressant Lexipro were also found inside the apartment, she said.

Underwood is accused of killing 10-year-old Jamie Bolin in an alleged plot to rape and torture the little girl before consuming her flesh. Forensic officials are also expected to testify on the exact cause of Jamie's death.

Defense attorneys have said they plan to call witnesses who will testify about Underwood's use of the drug and that he often appeared detached from reality.

During afternoon testimony, Russell detailed contents found in a box in Underwood's closet, including numerous sex toys, handcuffs, women's panties and a speculum, a gynecological examination object. 

Russell said investigators also found a Barbie doll that had been tampered with.

"It has two small nails stuck in the eyes of the doll and through the cheeks," she said. 

Prosecutors allege Underwood, a quiet grocery store stocker with no prior criminal record, used a pet rat to lure Jamie into his apartment after she arrived home from school on April 12, 2006.

Once inside, prosecutors said Underwood sneaked up behind the girl while she was watching television, beat her over the head with a wooden cutting board and then suffocated her while she fought for her life. 

Jamie's body was found two days later in a plastic tub in Underwood's apartment. The girl's head had nearly been cut off. 

Andrew Moreland, an OSBI forensic biologist, also testified that blood found in the plastic tub and on plastic bags that were wrapped around the victim matched blood taken from Jamie.

Defense attorneys have not disputed that Underwood killed the girl, but have said they will try to persuade the jury to spare Underwood's life. Attorney Matthew Haire described the defendant as a "very troubled, reclusive young man."

The state is seeking the death penalty.