Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has spared the life of death row inmate Tremane Wood, commuting his sentence to life in prison without parole just hours before a scheduled execution. Stitt's decision comes after a thorough review and prayerful consideration, as he accepted the recommendation from the Pardon and Parole Board. This event marks only the second time in his nearly seven years in office that Stitt has granted clemency.
Wood, who was convicted for the stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old migrant farmworker, during a botched robbery in January 2002, will not be eligible for parole or commutation for the rest of his life. During the clemency hearing, attorneys noted Wood's brother had confessed to the murder, raising questions about Wood's culpability.
Governor Stitt stated the decision ensures that Wood, deemed a violent offender, would remain off the streets. However, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond voiced disappointment in the decision, emphasizing that the clemency granted to Wood undermines the justice process.
Wood's attorneys expressed gratitude for the governor's decision, citing the support of Wipf's family for clemency, and hoping for peace in the aftermath of a painful ordeal for all involved. Prosecutors, however, are concerned about the implications of clemency on a case that has been fiercely litigated for over two decades. The decision to commute Wood's sentence underscores Oklahoma’s complex and controversial approach to capital punishment.
Wood, who was convicted for the stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old migrant farmworker, during a botched robbery in January 2002, will not be eligible for parole or commutation for the rest of his life. During the clemency hearing, attorneys noted Wood's brother had confessed to the murder, raising questions about Wood's culpability.
Governor Stitt stated the decision ensures that Wood, deemed a violent offender, would remain off the streets. However, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond voiced disappointment in the decision, emphasizing that the clemency granted to Wood undermines the justice process.
Wood's attorneys expressed gratitude for the governor's decision, citing the support of Wipf's family for clemency, and hoping for peace in the aftermath of a painful ordeal for all involved. Prosecutors, however, are concerned about the implications of clemency on a case that has been fiercely litigated for over two decades. The decision to commute Wood's sentence underscores Oklahoma’s complex and controversial approach to capital punishment.
