Tremane Wood- A redemption story

Tremane Wood has spent 21 years on death row in Oklahoma and is facing execution for first degree murder. Tremane was convicted and sentenced to death in 2004, despite not committing the murder.

Between 70-100% of those executed suffer from a critical impairment including, serious mental illness, brain injury, chronic serious childhood trauma, neglect or abuse as reported by the Death Penalty Information Center. Tremane’s story, is one that involves extensive childhood trauma, where he grew up witnessing domestic violence, and, being introduced to guns at a young age.

During Tremane’s trial, Judge Ray Elliott, the judge presiding over Tremane’s trial made remarks about people of colour. Further only one black person served on Tremane’s jury, who has since said, that she felt pressured and bullied into returning a death sentence. Tremane has also reflected on his experience at the trial, and has stated he felt that he was intimidated in court.

Tremane’s story is one of many, that demonstrates that the death penalty system extends the cycle of trauma and misses the opportunity for those to foster healing and genuine change. It also highlights that the death penalty only magnifies racial and class inequities in the legal system.

Tremane continues to find strength and maintains an unbreakable positive mindset. You can read Tremane’s story here.