Gov. Kevin Stitt granted death row prisoner Tremane Wood clemency less than an hour before his scheduled execution on Thursday. It is the second time since 2021 that Stitt has granted clemency for a death row prisoner claiming innocence.
Wood, 46, was sentenced to death in 2004, accused of fatally stabbing Ronald Wipf, 19, in 2002. His brother, Zjaiton Jake Wood, who was a co-defendant to the crime, confessed to the killing during Wood’s 2004 trial. The court sentenced Zjaiton to life in prison without parole, while Tremane received a death sentence.
“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,” said Governor Stitt in a press release.
“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 Oklahoma, we will continue to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, delivering justice, safeguarding our communities, and respecting the rule of law. I pray for the family of Ronnie Wipf and for the surviving victim, Arnie; they are models of Christian forgiveness and love.”
Wipf was killed during the brothers’ second robbery of the day, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. The brothers wore masks, trench coats and leather gloves. Tremane had a knife, and Zjaiton had a gun. Prosecutors told jurors that Wood was the killer during his trial, but also painted Zjaiton as the perpetrator at his trial.
Wood’s attorneys argued the state’s felony murder statute allowed prosecutors to accuse both men of being murderers, but didn’t require them to prove the identity of the actual killer. Over the last two decades, Wood was adamant that he hadn’t stabbed Wipf.
In advance of the scheduled execution, Oklahoma Department of Corrections officials moved Wood to death watch, a seven-day observation cell closer to the death chamber on Nov. 7. He had not yet been moved to the execution chamber when the governor’s office announced the cancellation of the execution.
For his last meal, Wood requested a threepiece fried catfish platter with okra, coleslaw, and seven packets of tartar and hot sauce. For dessert, he has one pint of chocolate ice cream and a 2-liter bottle of Dr. Pepper.
Wood’s loved ones, supporters and legal team gathered outside the prison chanting his name and embracing each other.
“We’re thankful to have Tremane here for another day. Tremane said it. He said it’s not over until it’s over and it was literally until the last second,” said Jasmine Brown-Jutras, an advocate for the Wood family. “Not hearing until 10 a.m. was so hard, but we’re just so grateful that the right decision was made and that Tremane is still here with us.”
The next person in line for an execution date in Oklahoma is Kendrick Simpson, who was sentenced to death in Oklahoma County for fatally shooting two men in 2006.
