Oklahoma Governor Commutes Death Sentence of Inmate Tremane Wood

Thu Nov 13 2025 21:19:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has commuted the sentence of Tremane Wood, previously sentenced to death for murder, to life imprisonment without parole. This marks the second clemency decision by Stitt during his tenure.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has granted clemency to death row inmate Tremane Wood, commuting his sentence to life without parole just moments before a scheduled execution. This decision follows the Pardon and Parole Board's recommendation and reflects Stitt's unique stance on serious criminal cases. The case revolves around the 2002 murder of Ronnie Wipf during a robbery, with significant support from the victim's family for the commutation. Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed disappointment over the decision, noting the ongoing implications it holds for the justice system and public safety.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has spared the life of Tremane Wood, a death row inmate who was due to face execution. In a surprising move, the governor commuted Wood's sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The decision marks only the second time Stitt has granted clemency in his nearly seven years in office.

Wood, 46, was convicted for the 2002 stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old farmworker, during an attempted robbery in Oklahoma City. Governor Stitt cited the recommendation from the Pardon and Parole Board and expressed that the decision was made after a comprehensive review and prayerful consideration of the case.

Stitt stated, This action reflects the same punishment his brother received for their murder of an innocent young man and ensures a severe punishment that keeps a violent offender off the streets forever. In his executive order, it was noted that Wood would remain ineligible for any form of clemency for the rest of his life.

The clemency hearing revealed that Wood participated in the robbery but denied killing Wipf, claiming his brother Zjaiton Wood was responsible for the fatal act. Zjaiton is serving life without parole for his role in the crime and passed away in 2019.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond responded to the decision with disappointment, emphasizing the gravity of allowing a violent offender to remain free from execution. This was his decision to make, Drummond stated, yet he voiced serious concerns over the implications of such clemency actions.

Support for Wood's commutation arose from Wipf's family and the surviving victim, who both advocated for mercy, hoping it could bring them a semblance of peace. Wood's attorney, Amanda Bass Castro Alves, expressed gratitude to the governor for honoring these wishes.

Despite prosecutors portraying Wood as a dangerous individual with a history of violent behavior, including gang activity while incarcerated, his defense team argued that failure in his original trial undermined the judicial process. The case continues to highlight the complex dynamics between justice, clemency, and public safety in Oklahoma.