Oklahoma governor saves death row inmate, calls it justice. But evidence says he never stopped being a criminal, even behind bars

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has commuted the death sentence of inmate Tremane Wood to life without parole, just hours before Wood was scheduled for execution on November 13, 2025. This notable decision marks only the second time Stitt has granted clemency during his seven years in office. Since 1972, fewer than half a dozen prisoners in Oklahoma have received clemency, according to Fox News.

Wood, 46, was originally sentenced to death for the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old farmworker Ronnie Wipf during a robbery in Oklahoma City on New Year’s Day in 2002. The governor’s action followed a recommendation from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, which voted 3-2 in favor of clemency on November 5.

In a statement, Governor Stitt explained his reasoning: “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.” He emphasized that the new sentence “ensures a severe punishment that keeps a violent offender off the streets forever,” and aligns justice between Wood and his accomplice.

### Questions Surrounding the Fatal Wound

A major factor influencing the clemency decision was the lingering doubt over who actually delivered the fatal stab wound. Wood’s attorneys argued during his clemency hearing that his brother, Zjaiton Wood, was the person responsible for Wipf’s death.

Zjaiton died in prison in 2019, but reports suggest he allegedly confessed to killing several people while incarcerated, including Ronnie Wipf.

Governor Stitt acknowledged the victim’s family in his statement, saying he prayed for the family of Ronnie Wipf and the surviving victim, Arnie, describing them as “models of Christian forgiveness and love.”

### Opposition from the Attorney General’s Office

Despite the governor’s acceptance of the clemency recommendation, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office strongly opposed the decision. They cited Wood’s troubling behavior while incarcerated as a key concern.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Wood did not use his time on death row for reflection. Instead, he was allegedly running a sophisticated criminal operation from behind bars. Using multiple contraband cellphones, Wood reportedly distributed drugs and engaged in gang-related violence.

The state even presented the Pardon and Parole Board with a video that allegedly showed a beating Wood paid for and insisted be sent to him.

Attorney General Drummond expressed his frustration with the commutation, stating, “After this dangerous criminal took a young man’s life, he stayed fully active in the criminal world from behind bars. I am disappointed by the Pardon and Parole Board’s decision today but appreciate their thoughtful deliberation.”

Drummond also affirmed that his office will continue to pursue justice for Ronnie Wipf.

### Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups

Advocacy organizations such as the Legal Defense Fund also weighed in on the case, arguing that Wood was initially failed by the justice system.

They pointed to potential racial bias during the trial, noting that the jury was nearly all white, with only one Black juror. Additionally, the Legal Defense Fund highlighted claims of poor legal representation during Wood’s early legal proceedings.

The organization stated that the clemency board “has made clear that Wood should not die nor does the victim’s family seek his death.”

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Governor Stitt’s decision to commute Tremane Wood’s sentence highlights the complexities of justice, balancing questions of guilt, the severity of punishment, and concerns over fairness and rehabilitation. The case continues to spark debate across Oklahoma as stakeholders consider the implications of clemency in death penalty cases.
https://wegotthiscovered.com/politics/oklahoma-governor-saves-death-row-inmate-calls-it-justice-but-evidence-says-he-never-stopped-being-a-criminal-even-behind-bars/

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