Oklahoma Governor Commutes Death Row Sentence of Tremane Wood

Thu Nov 13 2025 20:55:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising turn, Oklahoma's Governor Kevin Stitt has commuted the death sentence of Tremane Wood, who was scheduled for execution, to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has commuted the death sentence of Tremane Wood to life without parole. This decision comes after a thorough review and aligns with recommendations from the state's Pardon and Parole Board, which voted 3-2 to support Wood's clemency. Wood was convicted for his involvement in the 2002 murder of Ronnie Wipf during a robbery. The commutation marks a significant stance from the governor, who has granted clemency only once before during his tenure.

McALESTER, Okla. — In a pivotal decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has chosen to spare the life of Tremane Wood, a death row inmate set for execution, commuting his sentence to life in prison without parole just hours before the scheduled lethal injection.

Stitt formally granted clemency to Wood, 46, who was convicted for the 2002 stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old migrant farmworker, during a robbery gone wrong. This is only the second time in Stitt's nearly seven years in office that he has exercised his clemency powers.

“After a thorough review of the facts and prayerful consideration, I have chosen to accept the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation to commute Tremane Wood’s sentence to life without parole,” Stitt announced, emphasizing the need to keep a violent offender off the streets permanently.

In his executive order, Wood will not be eligible for any future commutation, pardon, or parole throughout his life. Previously, Stitt granted clemency to Julius Jones in 2021 but denied clemency recommendations in four other cases, with a total of 16 executions occurring under his administration.

Wood’s attorney expressed gratitude for the governor’s decision, indicating it honors the wishes of Wipf’s family and reflects a desire for peace. During the clemency hearing, Wood admitted to participating in the robbery but denied responsibility for Wipf's death, attributing it to his brother, Zjaiton, who was serving a life sentence.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond voiced his disappointment, stating, “I am disappointed that the governor has granted clemency for this dangerous murderer, but respect that this was his decision to make.”

Wipf’s family, who had supported Wood's clemency, are relieved by the outcome, hoping it provides them with some measure of comfort regarding the tragedy that transpired almost 21 years ago.

The Pardon and Parole Board's decision to recommend clemency came after a lengthy and contentious review process, and amidst arguments regarding Wood’s legal representation at trial, which his lawyers argued was flawed.

As discussions surrounding clemency and the death penalty continue, Stitt's decision signals a complex approach to justice in Oklahoma, reflecting broader societal debates over capital punishment and rehabilitation.