Who Wade Wilson Is
Wade Steven Wilson was born May 20, 1994, in Tallahassee, Florida, and attended Chiles High School. He was adopted as an infant after his teenage biological parents gave him up. Wilson has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2012, including convictions for burglary and grand theft (2013-2014) and firearms theft (2017-2018). Prior to the murders, he faced multiple accusations of violence against former girlfriends, including a 2015 sexual battery and kidnapping charge from which he was acquitted, a 2019 battery charge, and a 2019 incident where authorities chose not to pursue charges after he allegedly beat and strangled an ex-girlfriend.
The Murders and 'Deadpool Killer' Nickname
On October 7, 2019, Wilson murdered Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in unrelated attacks. He met Melton at a Fort Myers bar, went to her Cape Coral home, and strangled her to death while she slept. He then stole her car and violently assaulted his then-girlfriend at her business. Shortly after, he lured Diane Ruiz into the stolen vehicle by asking for directions, then attacked her, beating and strangling her before running her over 10 to 20 times. The 'Deadpool Killer' moniker appears in media headlines reporting on the case, particularly in connection with the Netflix documentary series featuring his crimes.
Trial and Conviction
Wilson stood trial in June 2024 at Lee County courthouse in Fort Myers. Testimony from 29 witnesses presented evidence of his crimes. The jury found him guilty on all six counts on June 12, 2024. During the penalty phase on June 20, the jury recommended death sentences: voting 9-3 in Melton's case and 10-2 in Ruiz's case in favor of capital punishment. Judge Thompson imposed both death sentences on August 27, 2024.
Current Status and Media Coverage
As of August 30, 2024, Wilson was transferred to Florida's death row at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, where he remains incarcerated. His case is featured in Season 2 of the Netflix documentary series 'Worst Ex Ever,' which premiered May 6, 2026. The series uses testimonials, bodycam footage, and animated reenactments to examine his relationships and crimes as part of its exploration of violent romantic relationships. 
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