Oklahoma Man on Death Row Spared Minutes Before His Execution. He Was Later Found Unresponsive in His Cell By Liam Quinn

Hours after his life was spared from execution by lethal injection, an inmate was found unresponsive in his cell, which officials determined was the result of apparent dehydration and stress.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted the death sentence of Tremane Wood to life in prison without parole — just moments before his scheduled execution, according to the Associated Press.

Wood had been on death row for a 2002 murder.

After the commutation, Wood was taken back to his cell where he was later found unresponsive, a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections told the outlet.

The AP reported that officials determined the medical event was due to a combination of stress and dehydration and that Wood was stable and alert later that evening. He told prison officials that he had been lying on his bed and believed he might have lost consciousness and rolled off his bunk, per the outlet.

According to The New York Times and the AP, Wood was convicted of fatally stabbing Ronnie Wipf during a 2002 robbery gone wrong and was sentenced to death.

Stitt reportedly commuted Wood’s sentence to life in prison after the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted to reduce his sentence, per the Times. The commutation is only the second time Stitt has stopped an execution in nearly two terms as governor, the outlet reported.

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The governor cited in a statement that Wood’s brother, Zjaiton, was also convicted of killing Wipf at the time but was sentenced to life without parole — unlike his brother, who was sentenced to death.

“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,” Stitt said. “In Oklahoma, we will continue to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, delivering justice, safeguarding our communities, and respecting the rule of law.”

Prior to his commutation, the Times reported, Wood had already eaten what would have been his last meal: catfish.