Person sentenced to death in the United States receives pardon hours before execution

summary
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to death row inmate Tremaine Wood, converting his sentence to life in prison. Wood was hospitalized after the announcement, but the incident sparked legal and religious controversy.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted leniency to convict Tremaine Wood 46 hours before his execution by lethal injection. The death penalty was changed to life imprisonment without the possibility of freedom. Wood was convicted in 2004 of killing farm worker Ronnie Whipp during a robbery in 2001, a case in which the victim’s family had voiced opposition to the death penalty.

Shortly after being rescued, Wood was found unconscious in his cell and taken to hospital. Officials said the man had not eaten or drank anything since the night before, when he believed he had eaten his last meal, and was suffering from symptoms of dehydration and stress.

In announcing the pardon, Stitt said the decision was made after “a thorough review of the facts and prayerful reflection.” This is the second time the governor has granted clemency to a death row inmate since taking office in 2019.

Wood’s defense attorney has admitted his involvement in the robbery but denies stabbing the victim. Tremane’s older brother, Jayton Wood, claimed responsibility for the murder and died in prison in 2019. Lawyers also pointed to flaws in the trial court, arguing that the public defender at the time suffered from drug addiction and had his license suspended in 2006.

The state Board of Pardons and Parole recommended clemency in a 3-2 vote, a decision supported by Wipf’s family and crime survivor Arnold Kleinsasser. The governor praised the family’s attitude, calling them an example of Christian forgiveness and compassion.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticized the decision and said his office will continue to work to ensure Wood remains in prison. The state carried out two executions this year and four in 2024, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.