Underwood expressed his apologies to the girl’s family during a hearing before the state’s Pardon and Parole Board last week.
“I extend my sincerest apologies to the victim’s family, my own family, and all those present in the room who had to bear witness to the distressing details of my actions,” Underwood expressed remorsefully to the board, addressing them through a video call streamed from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
At last week’s meeting, all three board members in attendance voted against recommending clemency.
Underwood’s lawyers contended that his extensive record of abuse and severe mental health conditions, including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, and various deviant sexual paraphilias, warranted his exemption from capital punishment.
According to prosecutors, the reasons behind Underwood’s horrific actions cannot be attributed to depression, anxiety, or autism. They argue that Underwood is dangerous due to his intelligence, organization, and a deep-seated deviant sexual desire to harm and abuse others.
Underwood’s attorneys have made a last-minute request to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking a stay of execution. They argue that Underwood should be granted a hearing before the full five-member parole board. According to them, the panel violated state law and Underwood’s rights by rescheduling the hearing at the last minute following the resignation of two board members.
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