By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
OKLAHOMA CITY – The fate of an Oklahoma County killer with an upcoming execution date is in the hands of Gov. Kevin Stitt.
The Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday voted 3-2 to recommend clemency for Tremane Wood, 46.
Wood is set to die Nov. 13 for the 2002 stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, 19, during a robbery at an Oklahoma City motel. Wipf was a migrant farm worker from Montana.
“I’m not a monster,” Wood told the board by way of video conference from Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. “I’m not a killer. I never was and I never have been.”
Wood said he took full responsibility for his actions and his misconduct while on death row. He is accused of dealing in drugs, perpetuating violence against another inmate and having contraband cell phones, according to prison disciplinary records.
“Being in this place is like being in quicksand,” he said. “The more you struggle to get out, sometimes the deeper you sink into the culture.”
Amanda Bass Castro Alves, Wood’s lawyer, said Wednesday that his trial attorney was abusing alcohol and drugs and did not adequately represent him. His brother, Zjaiton “Jake” Wood, admitted to the killing, had better counsel and investigators, and got life without parole, she said. Zjaiton Wood died in prison in 2019.
Tremane Wood’s trial attorney died in 2018.
“We know Tremane’s death sentence is not a just result,” Alves said.
The victim’s mother doesn’t want Tremane Wood executed, she said.
Members of the victim’s family declined to participate in the clemency hearing.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said Wood was a violent offender who still posed a threat to the public.
Clemency is not a right, Drummond said.
He said Wood continued his predatory behavior while behind bars.
“I am disappointed by the Pardon and Parole Board’s decision today but appreciate their thoughtful deliberation,” he said in a statement after the decision. “My office will continue to pursue justice for Ronnie Wipf. We intend to make our case to the governor on why clemency should not be granted and why the death sentence, as determined by a jury, should be carried out.”
Assistant Attorney General Christina Burns said Tremane Wood’s death sentence was the result of the choices he made.
Claims about inadequate representation by Wood’s trial attorney were rejected by the court system, she said.
Members Susan Stava, Robert Reavis II and Kevin Buchanan voted to recommend clemency. Members Richard A. Miller and Sean Malloy voted against it.
Cheers were heard in the meeting room following the vote.
Stitt’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
