HuffPost Reporting Helps Spare Oklahoma Man From Death Row

MCALESTER, OK - November 13, 2025 - Following two years of in-depth reporting by HuffPost's Jessica Schulberg, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has granted clemency to Tremane Wood, sparing him from execution for a killing that his brother admitted to committing.

HuffPost's investigation explored serious questions about Wood's legal representation, the role of his brother in the crime, and systemic failures in the juvenile justice system that shaped his life trajectory. Schulberg's persistent reporting - including multiple interviews with Wood's family members and victim families and an unflinching look at overlooked issues in the criminal justice system - helped bring national media attention to a matter of life and death.

In a pivotal moment, quotes from Barbara Wipf, the victim's mother, originally shared in HuffPost's reporting, were included in Wood's presentation to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, expressing her belief that the state should allow Wood to live. The board ultimately voted to recommend clemency, which Governor Stitt has now granted.

"I've read thousands of pages of court documents and interviewed Wood's friends, family, girlfriend, lawyers, and codefendants, as well as the victims of his crime, to learn about the case," HuffPost Reporter Jessica Schulberg said. "The surviving victim of the crime, as well as the mother of the man who died, do not want Wood to be executed, they told me."

Read HuffPost's reporting on Tremane Wood's case:

HuffPost's investigation into Tremane Wood's case is part of the publication's ongoing commitment to fearless, accountability-driven journalism. Over the past two decades, HuffPost has received widespread recognition for its editorial excellence and impact, including a Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting, a National Magazine Award, numerous Webby Awards, and honors from GLAAD and other journalism and advocacy organizations. With millions of loyal readers, HuffPost continues to play a vital role in helping people understand the world and live better lives.

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