The governor of Oklahoma, Kevin Stitt, commuted the death sentence of a prisoner whose execution was scheduled for this Thursday, accepting the recommendations of a panel of experts that suggested granting him clemency. "After a thorough review of the facts and deep reflection, I have decided to accept the recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board to commute Tremane Wood's sentence to life in prison without parole," the state executive said in an order. "This action reflects the same punishment that his brother received for the murder of an innocent young man and ensures a severe punishment that keeps a violent offender off the streets forever," he added. Tremane Wood, 46, was set to die Thursday morning for the murder of a migrant farmworker during an attempted robbery in 2002. Although Wood's attorneys have not denied his involvement in the robbery, they have rejected that he was responsible for the stabbing that ended the victim's life. The Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency for Wood last week in a divided 3-2 vote, ensuring that the trial was unfair. This is the second time Stitt, a Republican, has granted clemency to a death row inmate. He did so for the first time in 2021 but had rejected the board's recommendations on four other occasions. The governor commuted Wood's sentence to life in prison but indicated that he will not be eligible for parole. "In Oklahoma, we will continue to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, deliver justice, protect our communities, and uphold the rule of law," Stitt stated in his order. Oklahoma has carried out two executions so far this year. Miami (USA).
