Jury Selection Begins In Purcell Murder Case

Jury selection began Tuesday in Norman for a murder case that has gained national attention.

Almost two years after being charged, Kevin Underwood, 28, is going to trial as the prime suspect in the slaying of Jamie Rose Bolin, 10.

Two years ago, Jamie Rose Bolin was reported missing from her Purcell apartment. A short time later, investigators found her lifeless body in Underwood's apartment.

Purcell Police believe Bolin was hit on the head with a wooden cutting board three to four times. Then the defendant put his hand and duct tape over her mouth and nose to suffocate her. Authorities also claimed Underwood planned to cannibalize the girl.

A judge imposed a gag order on the both parties. The trial was also moved to Norman because passions were running high in Purcell, said officials.

The official cause of death for Bolin was listed as asphyxia, and the child's body showed signs of sexual assault, but the state medical examiner was not able to determine if the injuries happened before the girl died.

Jury selection could take several days to pick the twelve jurors that will preside over the case. The judge ruled last week the jury will be allowed to hear the confession Underwood gave to Purcell Police.