WADE WILSON: WHERE THE “DEADPOOL KILLER” CASE STANDS IN 2026

Wade Steven Wilson remains on Florida’s death row nearly seven years after the killings of two women in Cape Coral — and despite years of intense public attention surrounding his case, he does not currently have a scheduled execution date.

Wilson, who became widely known online as the “Deadpool Killer” because he shares his name with the Marvel Comics character, was convicted in 2024 of murdering Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, on October 7, 2019.

A Florida jury convicted Wilson of two counts of first-degree murder as well as several additional offenses. The jury subsequently recommended death sentences for both murders, and a judge formally sentenced him to death in August 2024.

TWO WOMEN KILLED ON THE SAME DAY

According to prosecutors and evidence presented at trial, Wilson encountered Kristine Melton at a Fort Myers-area bar on October 7, 2019.

Authorities said Melton later went with Wilson to her home in Cape Coral. Prosecutors alleged that Wilson strangled her while she was in bed before taking her vehicle.

Later that same day, Wilson encountered Diane Ruiz, who was walking along a street.

According to the prosecution, Wilson stopped and asked Ruiz for directions. She entered the vehicle, after which Wilson attacked her.

The State Attorney’s Office said Wilson beat and strangled Ruiz before pushing her from the vehicle and repeatedly running her over.

The two killings became the central focus of the subsequent investigation and prosecution.

HOW WILSON WAS ARRESTED

After the killings, Wilson contacted his biological father and confessed to what he had done, according to evidence later reported from the case.

His father contacted law enforcement, and investigators ultimately located Wilson.

Wilson was arrested and remained in custody while prosecutors built their case.

His trial took place in Lee County in June 2024.

On June 12, jurors found him guilty of the two murders along with four other offenses, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery, burglary and first-degree petit theft.

JURY RECOMMENDS DEATH

Following the guilty verdicts, the case moved into the penalty phase.

On June 25, 2024, the jury recommended that Wilson receive the death penalty for both murders. The judge later imposed two death sentences in August 2024.

Wilson was subsequently transferred to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, which houses male death-row prisoners.

As of 2026, he remains incarcerated there while his legal appeals continue.

THE LEGAL BATTLE CONTINUES

One major issue in Wilson’s appeal has involved Florida’s death-penalty sentencing system.

His attorneys challenged the use of Florida’s post-2023 capital sentencing rules, arguing that because the murders occurred in 2019, the newer rules should not apply to his case.

The legal argument became more difficult after the Florida Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s newer death-penalty framework in other cases.

Wilson’s attorney nevertheless preserved the issue for potential further review, including possible consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A February 2026 proceeding before the Florida Supreme Court addressed the appeal, and Wilson’s death sentences remained in place.

There is currently no execution date publicly scheduled for Wilson.

THE CASE RETURNS TO THE SPOTLIGHT

Wilson’s case has received renewed attention in 2026 following the release of the Paramount+ documentary “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer.”

Netflix also revisited the case in Season 2 of “Worst Ex Ever,” with an episode focusing on Wilson and the events surrounding the 2019 murders.

The renewed coverage has brought the case to a much wider international audience, particularly because of Wilson’s appearance in court and the extensive discussion surrounding his crimes and subsequent trial.

WHERE IS WADE WILSON NOW?

Today, Wilson remains incarcerated on Florida’s death row at Union Correctional Institution.

His convictions and death sentences remain in effect, while his attorneys continue pursuing appellate remedies.

For the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, however, the legal process has continued for years since the two women were killed on the same day in October 2019.

The case remains active in the courts, and Wilson has not been executed and has no publicly announced execution date at this time.