Oklahoma Man Scheduled for Execution Despite Clemency Recommendation

A man who maintains his innocence regarding a 2002 murder is set for execution on March 2, 2023, in Oklahoma. Tremane Wood, 46, is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester after a state panel recommended that his life be spared. The decision now rests with Governor Kevin Stitt, who has not yet indicated whether he will intervene.

Wood was convicted for his involvement in the stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, a 19-year-old migrant farmworker from Montana. The crime occurred during a robbery attempt at a hotel in north Oklahoma City on New Year’s Day 2002. While Wood’s attorneys acknowledge his participation in the robbery, they assert that it was his brother, Zjaiton Wood, who inflicted the fatal wounds. Zjaiton, sentenced to life without parole, died in prison in 2019 after allegedly confessing to the murder.

The clemency recommendation from the Pardon and Parole Board is notably rare, particularly given the gravity of the case. Wood expressed his sentiments during a video link testimony, stating, “I’m not a monster. I’m not a killer. I never was, and I never have been.” Meanwhile, Stitt’s office has stated that he intends to consult with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and members of the victim’s family before making a final decision.

Prosecutors have painted Wood as a persistent threat, highlighting his record of criminal behavior while incarcerated. Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized that Wood has engaged in gang activities and other illicit actions, including drug trafficking and orchestrating attacks on fellow inmates. “Even within the confines of maximum security prison, Tremane Wood has continued to manipulate, exploit, and harm others,” Drummond stated.

In response to the claims against him, Wood accepted responsibility for his actions during the robbery and acknowledged his past misconduct in prison. However, he reiterated his position that he did not kill Wipf, expressing regret for his involvement that night. His legal team has also appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the trial prosecutors failed to disclose a plea agreement involving a key witness, which they contend could have influenced the trial’s outcome.

As the execution date approaches, the case continues to attract significant attention, raising questions about justice, accountability, and the complexities of the legal system. With the clock ticking, all eyes are now on Governor Stitt and his impending decision, which could alter the course of Wood’s life dramatically.