Gov. Kevin Stitt has granted clemency for Tremane Wood, who had been on Oklahoma's death row for more than 20 years.

Wood was sentenced to death for the murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf on Jan. 1, 2002. Wood has denied killing anyone. The execution was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, but the governor's office announced at the last minute that Stitt had granted Wood clemency.

"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," Stitt said in a news release. "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."

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Last week, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to recommend clemency for Wood. The board said Wood's trial was not fair and just. The Oklahoma State Supreme Court denied Wood's request for a stay of execution last week. Just hours before the execution on Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied his request.