Oklahoma is making headlines again — but this time, it’s for a life-or-death decision involving death row inmate Tremane Wood. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt shocked many on Thursday when he officially spared Tremane Wood’s life just hours before the 46-year-old was set to be executed.
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Clemency Granted To Wood Hours Before Scheduled Execution
Instead of death, Gov. Stitt chose to commute Wood’s sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This rare decision makes Wood only the sixth death row inmate in the state to receive clemency in the modern era, per CBS News. He’s also the second person to receive clemency during Stitt’s seven years in office, AP reports. A total of 16 men have been executed during Gov. Stitt’s terms.
The move followed last week’s Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board vote recommending mercy. In a statement, Stitt said he made the decision after a “thorough review” and “prayerful consideration.” He added that the new sentence reflects the same punishment given to Wood’s late brother.
Legal Team Says Brother Was Real Killer
Wood had been on death row for the 2001 killing of 25-year-old migrant farmworker Ronnie Wipf during a robbery gone wrong at an Oklahoma City hotel. However, Wood has long maintained he did not commit the murder — only the robbery. Additionally, court records show Zjaiton received life without parole, after admitting to being responsible, and died in prison in 2019. Wood’s attorney, Amanda Bass Castro-Alves, applauded the governor’s decision, saying it “honors the wishes of [the victim’s] family” and hopefully brings them peace.
Found Unresponsive After Clemency Is Granted
Amid the clemency granting, Tremane Wood’s health took an unexpected turn. According to officials, Wood had just met with his legal team and began the process of being moved off death row when things went left. During a routine check, a correctional officer reportedly found him unresponsive in his cell. ODOC says Wood suffered a “medical event” while settling into a new cell, leading to injuries that sent him straight to a nearby hospital. Doctors later determined the episode was triggered by severe dehydration and stress. Additionally, Wood revealed that he hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink since his “last meal” the night before.
During a phone call with the Chief of Public Relations, Wood said he’s “fine now.” Additionally, Wood believes he simply “rolled off his bunk” before waking up in the infirmary with a busted head and lip. He confirmed no one else was in the cell. Furthermore, after receiving medical care, Wood spoke with his family. He also thanked Gov. Stitt at the end of a recorded interview with the ODOC. Agency leadership praised staff for responding quickly and professionally during what they called a “critical incident,” saying the team ensured Wood received the care he needed.
