Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt spared an inmate’s life moments before he was to receive a lethal injection on Thursday, commuting his sentence to life without parole while he waited in a holding cell next to the death chamber.

Family members of the victim had supported the clemency bid of Tremane Wood, 46, and the governor cited their “Christian forgiveness and love,” in a statement announcing his decision.

Wood was scheduled to be executed for the stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, 19, during a botched robbery in 2002, but Wood maintained that the actual killer was his brother, who died while serving a life sentence. It is just the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency during his nearly seven years in office.

“After a thorough review of the facts and prayerful consideration,

See Full Page