Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence of Tremane Wood to life without parole, halting his execution shortly before it was scheduled. The decision followed a 3-2 recommendation for clemency from the state Pardon and Parole Board. Wood was convicted for his role in a 2002 Oklahoma City motel robbery that resulted in the fatal stabbing of Ronnie Wipf.
Wood’s defense team had argued that his original trial was flawed, citing an attorney with substance abuse issues and claims that prosecutors withheld evidence about witness incentives. During his clemency hearing, Wood accepted responsibility for participating in the robbery but denied being the one who stabbed Wipf. Advocacy groups and the victim’s family had both requested that his life be spared.
Governor Stitt stated that the commutation aligned Wood’s punishment with the sentence given to his brother, Zjaiton Wood, who died in prison after admitting to the killing. This action represents only the second instance of Stitt granting clemency to a death row inmate.
Wood’s defense team had argued that his original trial was flawed, citing an attorney with substance abuse issues and claims that prosecutors withheld evidence about witness incentives. During his clemency hearing, Wood accepted responsibility for participating in the robbery but denied being the one who stabbed Wipf. Advocacy groups and the victim’s family had both requested that his life be spared.
Governor Stitt stated that the commutation aligned Wood’s punishment with the sentence given to his brother, Zjaiton Wood, who died in prison after admitting to the killing. This action represents only the second instance of Stitt granting clemency to a death row inmate.
