In a last-minute decision, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has spared the life of inmate Tremane Wood, commuting his death sentence to life without parole.
Wood, 46, was scheduled for execution Thursday for the 2002 stabbing death of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf during a botched robbery.
He maintained that his brother, who has since died in prison, was the actual killer.
Governor Stitt cited the victim’s family’s support for clemency, noting their “Christian forgiveness and love,” as he followed the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation.
This marks only the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency in nearly seven years.
