WADE WILSON REMAINS ON DEATH ROW AS LEGAL BATTLE CONTINUES — HERE’S WHERE THE ‘DEADPOOL KILLER’ CASE STANDS
WADE WILSON REMAINS ON DEATH ROW AS LEGAL BATTLE CONTINUES — HERE’S WHERE THE ‘DEADPOOL KILLER’ CASE STANDS
WADE STEVEN WILSON remains on Florida’s death row years after he was convicted of killing two women on the same day — but his legal battle is not over yet.
Wilson, whose name became widely known online because it matches that of Marvel’s fictional character Deadpool, was convicted in June 2024 of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43.
Two months later, in August 2024, a Florida judge sentenced Wilson to death for both killings.
He is currently incarcerated at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, which houses the state’s male death-row population.
TWO WOMEN KILLED ON THE SAME DAY
The case dates back to October 7, 2019, when investigators said Wilson killed two women in Lee County.
According to trial evidence summarized by PEOPLE, Wilson met Melton at a Fort Myers bar before going with her to her home.
Prosecutors said that after Melton’s friend left, Wilson killed her and drove away in her vehicle.
Later that same day, Wilson encountered Ruiz, who was walking to work.
Investigators said Wilson approached her and persuaded her to get into Melton’s vehicle. Ruiz was subsequently killed.
Wilson was arrested less than a day later after contacting his biological father, Steven Testasecca, and making admissions about the killings. Testasecca contacted authorities, helping police locate Wilson.
THE 2024 TRIAL
Wilson went to trial in Lee County in June 2024.
Jurors found him guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.
At sentencing, the jury recommended death in both cases, and Judge Nicholas Thompson imposed two death sentences in August 2024.
The case attracted significant public attention not only because of the crimes but also because of Wilson’s unusual appearance and the nickname given to him online.
His attorneys argued during the legal proceedings that his history, including substance abuse and other issues, should be considered.
Prosecutors, meanwhile, presented evidence concerning his actions before, during and after the killings.
Ultimately, the court imposed two death sentences.
HIS APPEAL IS STILL MOVING THROUGH THE COURTS
Wilson’s case remains active in the Florida court system.
His direct appeal is Wade Steven Wilson v. State of Florida, Case No. SC2024-1345, before the Florida Supreme Court. The state’s answer brief was filed in July 2025.
The Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on February 5, 2026.
According to the court’s case information, Wilson’s appeal raises seven issues seeking reversal of his convictions and death sentences.
That means the death sentences are not simply carried out immediately following the trial. Florida law provides for appellate and post-conviction proceedings before an execution warrant can ordinarily be issued.
As of the latest available information, there is no publicly announced execution date for Wilson.
THE CASE RETURNS TO THE SPOTLIGHT
Wilson’s case has received renewed attention in 2026 through true-crime productions.
Paramount+ released “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer” in January, while Netflix included Wilson’s case in the second season of “Worst Ex Ever,” which premiered in May.
The renewed exposure has brought the 2019 killings back into the public conversation while Wilson’s legal proceedings continue.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
For now, Wilson remains on Florida’s death row while the legal process continues.
The Florida Supreme Court’s consideration of his direct appeal is an important stage in that process, but the court’s eventual decision will not necessarily mark the end of every possible legal avenue.
Florida law sets out additional procedures governing death sentences, including post-conviction proceedings and the issuance of an execution warrant.
For the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, the case has stretched across nearly seven years — from the October 2019 killings, through Wilson’s 2024 conviction and sentencing, and now into another stage of litigation.
Wilson remains convicted and sentenced to death — but his final legal chapter has yet to be written.
