An Oklahoma inmate whose life was spared by Gov. Kevin Stitt just moments before he was to receive a lethal injection on Thursday was later found unresponsive inside his cell and rushed to receive medical attention, prison officials said.
Friday, November 14, 2025 6:23PMAn Oklahoma inmate whose life was spared by Gov. Kevin Stitt just moments before he was to receive a lethal injection on Thursday was later found unresponsive inside his cell and rushed to receive medical attention, prison officials said.
This Feb. 9, 2023, photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections shows Tremane Wood, who was sentenced to die for the stabbing death of a man during a robbery in 2001., 46, unresponsive in his cell during a routine check hours after his sentence was commuted and after he had visited with his attorneys, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kay Thompson. It was determined that dehydration and stress caused Wood's medical event, and he was stable and alert Thursday evening, prison officials said. Wood told Thompson he was alone in his cell when he went to lie down and believes he may have rolled off his bunk after losing consciousness, according to a recorded interview with Wood released by the Department of Corrections after he was taken to a hospital. "I didn't have all my senses," Wood said in the recording. "I woke up in the infirmary with my head busted and my lip busted, and that's pretty much it right there."At the end of the recording, Wood said: "Tell Gov. Stitt I said 'thank you.'"Wood was waiting in a cell next to Oklahoma's death chamber Thursday morning when he learned Stitt commuted his sentence to life without parole. Family members of the victim, who who grew up in a Hutterite religious community in Montana, supported Wood's clemency. The governor cited their "Christian forgiveness and love," in a statement announcing his decision. Wood was sentenced for fatally stabbing Ronnie Wipf, 19, during a botched robbery in 2002, but Wood maintained that the actual killer was his brother, who died serving a life sentence. It is the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency during his nearly seven years in office. "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," the governor said. Stitt's order said Wood shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for a commutation, pardon or parole for the rest of his life. Stitt imposed similar conditions in 2021 after granting clemency to death row inmate Julius Jones. The governor rejected clemency recommendations in four other cases. A total of 16 men have been executed during Stitt's time in office. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond was "disappointed that the governor has granted clemency for this dangerous murderer, but respect that this was his decision to make," he said in a statement."This decision honors the wishes of Mr. Wipf's family and the surviving victim, and we hope it allows them a measure of peace," her statement said.Oklahoma's Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 last week to recommend that the governor grant clemency. George Burnett, one of the original prosecutors, said he's concerned that a five-member parole board can have such a profound impact on a case that has been litigated for more than 20 years. He also asserted that the evidence suggests Tremane Wood was the one who fatally stabbed Wipf. In addition to arguing that Wood's brother was the actual killer, Castro Alves told the panel Wood had an ineffective trial attorney who was drinking heavily at the time and who did little work on the case. She also said trial prosecutors improperly concealed from jurors the benefits that witnesses received in exchange for their testimony. Wood's attorneys had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the execution on these grounds, but were denied. Prosecutors painted Wood as a dangerous criminal who continued to participate in gang activity and commit crimes while in prison, including buying and selling drugs, using contraband cellphones and ordering attacks on other inmates. Wood, who testified to the panel via video link from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, accepted responsibility for his prison misconduct and his participation in the robbery, but denied being the one who killed Wipf.Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Tremane Wood Crime What Did Tremane Wood Do Tremane Wood Brother Tremane Wood Oklahoma Tremane Wood Execution Celemency Tremane Wood Case 18155330
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
This Alabama defensive starter could return from injury vs. OklahomaOne of Alabama's defensive contributors is questionable to return from injury against Oklahoma.
Read more »
Oklahoma City Spark, Cascade Join Athletes Unlimited Softball LeagueThe Oklahoma City Spark have joined the Athletes Unlimited Softball League as one of two new teams in the growing league.
Read more »
InterMat rankings: How many Penn State wrestlers are No. 1 ahead of Oklahoma dual meet?Cael Sanderson's Nittany Lions are seeking their fifth consecutive national championship.
Read more »
Live updates: Kalen DeBoer talks Oklahoma game on ‘Hey Coach’ radio showFollow along for the latest from Kalen DeBoer's weekly radio show appareance.
Read more »
Oklahoma death row inmate granted clemency on the morning of his scheduled executionTremane Wood was scheduled to be executed in Oklahoma on Thursday. Gov. Kevin Sitt commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole.
Read more »
Oklahoma death row inmate found unresponsive in cell after life spared by Governor Kevin StittToday's Video Headlines: 11/14/25
Read more »