Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency on Thursday to death row inmate Tremane Wood, reducing his sentence to life in prison without parole just hours before his scheduled execution.

Tremane Wood was convicted in 2004 of the first-degree murder of Ronnie Wipf and was ultimately sentenced to death. Wood’s co-defendant and brother, Zjaiton Jake Wood, was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Governor Stitt addressed the matter in a press release:

After a thorough review of the facts and prayerful consideration, I have chosen to accept the Pardon and Parole Board’s recommendation to commute Tremane Wood’s sentence to life without parole. This action reflects the same punishment his brother received for their murder of an innocent young man and ensures a severe punishment that keeps a violent offender off the streets forever. In Oklahoma, we will continue to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, delivering justice, safeguarding our communities, and respecting the rule of law. I pray for the family of Ronnie Wipf and for the surviving victim, Arnie; they are models of Christian forgiveness and love.

Several other government leaders have weighed in on Governor Stitt’s granting of clemency. Cyndi Munson, an Oklahoma state representative and candidate for governor, released a statement on X, thanking everyone who fought for Wood’s clemency: “Thank you to every Oklahoman who made phone calls, sent emails, and fought for justice for Tremane and his family. Your work mattered and it shows that people have power to create change in our state.” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond was “disappointed” about the clemency news, vowing to ensure that Wood “remains behind bars.”

Leading up to Wood’s execution, the Legal Defense Fund posted on X, urging a halt to the execution, “The killing of Tremane Wood does not make Oklahoma safer. It only deepens the racial bias our criminal justice system has yet to resolve. We demand justice for Tremane Wood and a halt to his execution.”