Wade Wilson (criminal)
Wade Wilson is an American criminal convicted of the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in Cape Coral, Florida. Due to sharing the name of the Marvel character Wade Wilson, the "secret identity" of Deadpool, Wilson has been referred to in the media as the "Deadpool Killer".[1][2] Wilson was sentenced to death in 2024 after being found guilty of first-degree murder, among other charges.[3][2][4][5]
Early life
[edit]Wade Wilson was adopted by Steve and Candace Wilson and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. Wilson, who was often described as "troubled" during his youth, reportedly engaged in minor criminal activities and substance abuse from an early age. He sustained multiple head injuries during his childhood and adolescence, which he later claimed contributed to feelings of instability.[6][7]
Crimes
[edit]On October 7, 2019, Wilson committed two murders within hours.[8] The first victim, Kristine Melton, was strangled in her home after Wilson had met her at a live music bar. Later that day, Diane Ruiz, a mother of two and a bartender, was strangled and subsequently run over multiple times after being lured into Melton's car under false pretenses.[3][9][10]
Arrest and legal proceedings
[edit]Wilson was arrested on October 8, 2019.[3]
During legal proceedings, evidence of Wilson's mental health was presented, including testimony about his brain injuries. A neurologist testified that brain scans showed trauma and impairment which might explain some of Wilson's impulsive behaviors. However, experts for the prosecution argued that drug abuse was a more significant factor in his actions.[7] Wilson's sentencing was marked by public interest and controversy, including numerous messages from individuals pleading for clemency. [11] His case raised questions about the intersection of mental health, criminal behavior, and the justice system.[12][13] In 2024, after a jury recommendation, Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced Wilson to death.[3][14][15]
Public and media reaction
[edit]The case attracted extensive media coverage, partly because of Wilson's common name with the well-known fictional character, Wade Wilson, the "secret identity" of the Marvel character Deadpool. Public reactions were mixed, with some expressing sympathy due to his mental health issues, while others focused on the brutality of his crimes.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ Kennedy, William (2024-07-10). "Who is the real-life Wade Wilson and what did he do? The 'Deadpool Killer' case, explained". We Got This Covered. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ a b Quinn, Liam (July 26, 2024). "'Wade Wilson' Is Ryan Reynolds' 'Deadpool' Alter Ego. But Real-Life Man Killed 2 Women 'for the Sake of Killing'". People Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ a b c d Stimson, Brie (2024-06-29). "Florida double murderer goes viral for 'smug, soulless' courtroom demeanor". Fox News. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ "Strangled Women Murder Trial: Penalty Phase Continues Tuesday". Court TV. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ "Who Is Wade Wilson? Jury Recommends Death Penalty for 'Deadpool Killer' After Being Convicted of Murder". Yahoo News. 2024-07-03. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ Reporter, Erin Keller (2024-08-08). "Wade Wilson's 'Troubled' Early Years: The Making of A Convicted Killer". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ a b Reporter, Erin Keller (2024-08-26). "Wade Wilson Update: Killer's Neurologist Reveals Chilling New Details". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ Quinn, Liam. "Why Did a Florida Man Randomly Strangle 2 Women Within Span of Hours 'for the Sake of Killing?'". People Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ "Swastika-covered murder suspect reportedly left his victim 'looking like spaghetti'". The Independent. 2024-06-05. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ "Florida man with swastika face tattoo strangled two women hours apart". Toronto Sun. Jun 14, 2024.
- ^ Witulska, Natalia. "Wade Wilson: The unsettling trend of romanticising serial killers". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ a b Helling, Steve; Keane, Isabel (2024-07-17). "Letters to judge beg him to spare the life of Wade Wilson". New York Post. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ White, Steven. "MSN". msn.com. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ Kwong, Jessica (2024-07-01). "'Deadpool killer' flashes hand signals as jury picks death penalty". Metro. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
- ^ Scott, Zach (2024-08-27). "Wade Wilson to be sentenced in Cape Coral double murder, Spencer hearing underway". WBBH. Retrieved 2024-08-28.