In a significant move just days before a scheduled execution, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has commuted the death sentence of 46-year-old Tremane Wood to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision comes for Wood's involvement in a botched robbery that resulted in the death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old Montana farmworker, back in 2002. Stitt emphasized that the commutation aligns Wood's sentence with that of his brother, who received life without parole.
The Governor's decision follows a recommendation by the state's Pardon and Parole Board, which voted in favor of clemency. Wood's legal representation expressed gratitude for the decision, noting that it honors the wishes of Wipf’s family and provides a measure of peace for them. Despite the support from the victim's family, the Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, expressed disappointment, describing Wood as a dangerous murderer.
Wood had admitted his participation in the robbery but maintained that he did not personally stab Wipf, attributing the act to his brother. His lawyer argued that Wood’s original trial was compromised due to ineffective legal counsel. Meanwhile, during the clemency hearing, Wood's past prison behavior, including involvement in gang activity and drug trade, was cited by prosecutors as evidence of his continued danger.
This case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty and clemency in Oklahoma, particularly after Stitt's clemency granted only twice in nearly seven years of his office, underscoring the complex dynamics surrounding capital punishment.
The Governor's decision follows a recommendation by the state's Pardon and Parole Board, which voted in favor of clemency. Wood's legal representation expressed gratitude for the decision, noting that it honors the wishes of Wipf’s family and provides a measure of peace for them. Despite the support from the victim's family, the Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, expressed disappointment, describing Wood as a dangerous murderer.
Wood had admitted his participation in the robbery but maintained that he did not personally stab Wipf, attributing the act to his brother. His lawyer argued that Wood’s original trial was compromised due to ineffective legal counsel. Meanwhile, during the clemency hearing, Wood's past prison behavior, including involvement in gang activity and drug trade, was cited by prosecutors as evidence of his continued danger.
This case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty and clemency in Oklahoma, particularly after Stitt's clemency granted only twice in nearly seven years of his office, underscoring the complex dynamics surrounding capital punishment.
