Oklahoma Governor Pardons Man Scheduled for Execution

Hours before his scheduled execution, Tremaine Wood was pardoned by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. Wood, aged 46, was on death row for the stabbing murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf during a robbery in Oklahoma City on New Year’s Day in 2002.

During the pardon hearing, Wood’s attorney pointed out that his brother, Jayton—who had also stabbed Wipf during the robbery—died in prison in 2019. Reports indicate that Jayton had confessed to multiple killings while incarcerated.

The Oklahoma Board of Pardons and Parole, after a 3-2 vote, recommended clemency for Wood on November 5. Governor Stitt expressed that, after a thorough review, he decided to accept this recommendation.

In his statement, Stitt said, “This action mirrors the same punishment my brother received for killing an innocent young man and ensures harsh sentences that keep violent criminals off our streets forever.” He mentioned the need to hold violent offenders accountable while also reflecting on the victim’s family and their capacity for forgiveness.

However, the Attorney General’s office disagreed with the clemency decision, highlighting Wood’s continued criminal behavior in jail, including the use of contraband cellphones for drug distribution and gang activity. In a statement, Attorney General Gentner Drummond expressed disappointment and emphasized that his office would pursue justice for the victim.

Wood’s defense team argued that his trial was marred by racial bias, citing that the jury was predominantly white and that he received inadequate legal representation. They insisted that the Board of Pardons had made a clear case for why Wood should not face execution.

Interestingly, since 1972, only six prisoners have been pardoned in Oklahoma. Governor Stitt has granted clemency only once during his term, making this case particularly significant.