Clemency Board Votes for Life, Execution Still Set
On November 13, Tremane Wood is scheduled to be executed in Oklahoma for his role in the 2002 stabbing death of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf. Despite a rare recommendation from the state’s Pardon and Parole Board to commute his sentence to life in prison, Wood remains set to die unless Governor Kevin Stitt intervenes. The board split 3-2 in favor of clemency, citing doubts about Wood’s guilt and concerns over his trial representation.
Case Details and Conflicting Testimony
Wood was convicted in 2004 for felony murder after Wipf was killed during a botched robbery in Oklahoma City. Wood’s brother, Zjaiton “Jake” Wood, confessed multiple times to being the one who stabbed Wipf, yet Tremane received the death sentence while Jake was given life without parole. Tremane’s current attorneys argue that he was poorly represented by a lawyer who battled addiction and that the prosecution never proved he killed or intended to kill anyone.
Supporters, including the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, say Wood’s punishment is unjust compared to his co-defendants, particularly since the confessed killer died by suicide in prison, and the victims’ families have asked for mercy. Tremane himself expressed regret for his part in the events, acknowledging the suffering caused to the victim’s family.
Governor’s Decision Remains Pending
Attorney General Gentner Drummond and other officials oppose clemency, arguing that Wood poses a continued danger even behind bars. Governor Stitt has not yet announced his final decision and is meeting with stakeholders before the scheduled execution. Unless the governor acts, Wood will become the third person executed in Oklahoma this year and the eighteenth since executions resumed after a moratorium.
Community Reaction
The case has ignited debate over the fairness of Oklahoma’s justice system and the use of the death penalty, especially when evidence and confessions suggest a different person committed the murder. Advocacy groups and legal experts urge reforms and call for careful consideration of clemency recommendations in similar cases.