Tremane Wood, an Oklahoma death row inmate, is set to be executed on Thursday, 13 November 2025, despite a clemency recommendation from the state's pardon and parole board. The decision now rests with Republican Governor Kevin Stitt, a supporter of the death penalty.
Wood was convicted in 2004 for the murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf during a robbery on New Year's Eve 2001. His brother, Zjaiton 'Jake' Wood, confessed to committing the murder, but this did not prevent Tremane's conviction under Oklahoma's felony murder rule, which only required his participation in the armed robbery. Jake received a life sentence, while Tremane was sentenced to death.
Wood's trial was marred by controversy. His attorney, John Albert, admitted to heavy drinking during the trial and was alleged to have used cocaine. He failed to call a key witness who would have testified that Jake admitted to the murder. After the death sentence, Albert handed Wood a business card reading: 'I'm sorry. You got me at a bad time.'
In the days leading up to the execution, Wood was moved to a clear-fronted cell adjacent to the execution chamber, under constant surveillance. Phone contact with family was cut off. In a final email, he said the surveillance 'makes my anxiety shoot through the roof'.
If carried out, this would be the 42nd execution in the US since President Donald Trump resumed federal executions in January, after President Joe Biden had imposed a moratorium. Wood's case has drawn widespread criticism, with advocates calling for clemency.
