Cannibalism is arguably one of the most taboo crimes of all. Although most societies connect cannibalism with ancient Amazonian tribes or even rumors of devil worshiping rituals, fantasies of cannibalism are not entirely uncommon among killers, even more so if their motive for murder was sexual or sadistic. In Purcell, Oklahoma, in 2006, a little girl vanished, and her disappearance would lead to one of the most heinous cases the world has ever seen.
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Sources
CNN, 14 April, 2006 – “Oklahoma Girl, 10, Missing”
Paula Zahn Now, 14 April, 2006 – “Amber Alert Cancelled for Missing Girl”
Associated press, 15 April, 2006 – “Missing Oklahoma Girl’s Body Found in Neighbour’s Apartment”
The Oklahoman, 15 April, 2006 – “Search for Girl Yields Body”
The Oklahoman, 15 April, 2006 – “Shy Girl Never Had a Mean Thing to Say”
Tulsa World, 15 April, 2006 – “Body of Missing Child is Located”
Associated Press, 16 April, 2006 – “Oklahoma Man Suspected in Girl’s Death Had Fantasized About Eating Someone”
Associated Press, 16 April, 2006 – “Okla. Slay Suspect Joked of Cannibalism”
Associated Press, 16 April, 2006 – “Okla. Suspect Wrote of Weird Fantasies”
The Oklahoman, 16 April, 2006 – “Man Confesses in Grisly Death”
The Oklahoman, 16 April, 2006 – “Suspect in Girl’s Death Profiles His Life on Web”
Associated Press, 17 April, 2006 – “Man Accused of Killing Girl in Plot to Eat Flesh Arraigned on Murder Charges”
The Oklahoman, 19 April, 2006 – “Slain Girl’s Father Struggles with Grief in Purcell”
Associated Press, 20 April, 2006 – “Family, Friends Say Goodbye to Slain Oklahoma Girl”
The Oklahoman, 21 April, 2006 – “Emerging from Tragedy”
The Oklahoman, 21 April, 2006 – “Report Reveals Evidence Found in Apartment”
The Oklahoman, 23 April, 2006 – “Blog Reveals Suspect’s Thoughts – Murder Once Was Sick, Sad”
The Oklahoman, 23 April, 2006 – “Expert Says Medications Had No Impact in Girl’s Slaying”
The Oklahoman, 4 May, 2006 – “Father Flees Haunting Memories”
The Oklahoman, 23 August, 2006 – “Suspect Goes to Court Over Purcell Girl’s Death”
The Oklahoman, 15 December, 2006 – “Purcell Murder Trial Pushed Back Until June”
Associated Press, 8 March, 2007 – “Judge Changes Venue on Underwood Trial”
Associated Press, 8 April, 2007 – “Slain Girl’s Family Struggles to Move On”
Associated Press, 27 June, 2007 – “Prosecutors Allege Underwoood Discussed Cannibalism”
The Oklahoman, 7 September, 2007 “Sensational Details Sealed in Purcell Killing”
Associated Press, 26 February, 2008 – “Father of Slain Oklahoma Girl Testifies”
Associated Press, 26 February, 2008 – “Trial Starts in 10-Year-Old Girl’s Death”
The Oklahoman, 26 February, 2008 – “Lawyers Warns of Disturbing Testimony”
Associated Press, 28 February, 2008 – “Skewers, Meat Tenderizer Among Items”
MineralWells Index, 28 February, 2008 – “Jurors Hear Plot to Kill, Rape, and Eat Victim”
Associated Press, 29 Febraury, 2008 – “Jury Swifly Returns Guilty Verdict Against Okla. Man”
Pauls Valley Daily Democrat, 29 February, 2008 – “Guilty Verdict Sends Message to Predators”
Associated Press, 4 March, 2008 – “Penalty Phase Starts in Cannibalism Slay”
Mineral Wells Index, 4 March, 2008 – “Witnesses Say Underwood Shy, Bullied as Child”
Associated Press, 5 March, 2008 – “Relatives of Convicted Okla. Child Killer Describe His Emotional Difficulties as a Boy”
Associated Press, 5 March, 2008 – “Underwood Had Psychological Disorders”
Associated Press, 8 March, 2008 – “Death Penalty Recommended for Man”
Audio Sources
“Kevin Underwood Trial || News Coverage”
“Underwood verdict reaction (2008-03-08)”
“Apartment residents address verdict (2008-02-29)”
“0:21 / 4:55 Victim’s Uncle Reacts To Verdict”
