In a case that riveted the United States and drew widespread media attention, who did Wade Wilson kill became one of the most-searched questions related to a brutal crime that unfolded in Florida. The answer is sobering: Wade Steven Wilson, a Florida man later dubbed the “Deadpool Killer,” was convicted of strangling two women to death in October 2019. As a result of his crimes, a Florida jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and other charges and a judge sentenced him to death in 2024.
The victims in this case were Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, both of whom were killed within hours of each other on the same day. The brutality of the homicides and the senseless nature of the violence left families in grief and communities searching for answers. Today’s article breaks down the facts of the case, the violent acts Wilson was convicted of committing, the legal aftermath, and broader reactions around this deeply disturbing criminal saga.
Early Life and Criminal History of Wade Wilson
Wade Steven Wilson was born in 1994 and lived in Cape Coral, Florida. Long before the murders that would make his name widely searched and infamous, Wilson had a history of criminal behavior. His record included convictions for burglary, grand theft, and firearm theft dating back to the early 2010s. He also faced charges for battery and other offenses in the years leading up to the murders.
Wilson’s troubled past was marked by repeated brushes with the law. During his time in jail awaiting trial for the double murder, he was accused of attempting an escape and was involved in other disturbances behind bars. He even survived a drug overdose in jail, which sparked an internal investigation into contraband and drug trafficking efforts inside the facility.
Despite his long record of criminal activity, no one could have foreseen the horrific acts he would commit in October 2019.
The Murders: What Happened on October 7, 2019
The core of the question who did Wade Wilson kill lies in the tragic events of October 7, 2019, when Wilson murdered two women in Cape Coral within hours of one another.
Kristine Melton
Wilson met Kristine Melton, 35, at a local bar in Cape Coral on the evening of October 6. The pair left together, and the next day Melton’s body was found in her home. Investigators determined that Wilson had strangled her to death. Melton was reportedly a beloved sister and caretaker to her own mother, known for her kindness and warmth.
Diane Ruiz
Later the same day, Wilson encountered Diane Ruiz, 43, as she walked. He asked her for directions and, after luring her into the car he had taken from Melton, he strangled her as well. After killing Ruiz, Wilson drove over her body multiple times before leaving her remains in a field. Ruiz was a mother of two and a member of her local community, whose death devastated her family.
Wilson’s own father played a pivotal role in the investigation. After Wilson called him and confessed to the killings, his father and stepmother alerted police. Law enforcement then arrested Wilson, and forensic evidence soon connected him to both murders. Unlike many criminal cases, Wilson did not deny his actions during the arrest, and prosecutors later highlighted his willingness to “do it again” when questioned.
The Trial and Conviction
Wilson’s trial for the murders of Melton and Ruiz unfolded over several years as investigators meticulously built their case. Prosecutors painted a picture of a senseless, unprovoked double homicide committed “for the sake of killing,” emphasizing the brutality of the strangulations and how Wilson showed no remorse.
In June 2024, a Lee County jury convicted Wilson of first-degree murder in both deaths, along with multiple other charges, including burglary and grand theft related to the theft of Melton’s vehicle. The jury recommended the death penalty, and in August 2024 a Florida judge upheld that recommendation, sentencing Wilson to death—a sentence that will likely advance through automatic appeals given Florida’s legal process for capital punishment cases.
During the legal proceedings, the defense raised issues related to Wilson’s mental health and substance abuse, but the prosecution successfully argued that the evidence showed calculated cruelty and deliberate violence.
Why the Case Attracted National Attention
Beyond the horrific nature of the killings themselves, several factors amplified public and media attention around this case:
Name Recognition and Viral Infamy
The fact that the murderer shared a name with a popular comic book character—Wade Wilson, better known as Deadpool—captured public fascination. The media frequently referenced the fictional hero’s name when reporting on the case, which contributed to widespread interest in the question, who did Wade Wilson kill.
Digital and Social Media Reaction
The case also generated significant reactions on social platforms. Some commentators focused on Wilson’s appearance, including face tattoos and behavior, which in turn drew an unanticipated online audience. Clips, discussions, and commentary about the trial, Wilson’s demeanor, and the victims’ lives circulated widely, making the story a topic of national conversation beyond Florida.
Documentaries and Public Coverage
True-crime documentaries and crime timeline pieces helped spread knowledge of the case far beyond the local community. These productions often delve deep into the sequence of events, the investigation process, and interviews with those connected to the victims or perpetrators, expanding the reach of the story and ensuring that the facts of the murders remain widely known.
Victim Impact and Community Response
The families of both Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz described profound loss and ongoing grief in the wake of Wilson’s conviction. Statements released by relatives emphasized the deep emotional impact the murders had on their lives, as well as the struggle to cope with the sudden and violent deaths of their loved ones.
Community vigils, remembrance events, and public statements from local leaders underscored how the violence shattered a sense of safety in the Cape Coral area. For many residents, the case became a stark reminder of the randomness of violence and the importance of community vigilance.
Current Status of Wade Wilson
As of today, Wilson remains on death row in Florida. His sentencing includes automatic appeals, which is standard in capital punishment cases in the state. Appeals in Florida’s Supreme Court will scrutinize legal procedures used at trial, though the underlying facts of the case and the convictions themselves remain verified and upheld.
Wilson’s incarceration continues under maximum security, and his legal team is expected to pursue every available appellate option. Meanwhile, discussions around capital punishment, criminal justice reform, and mental health have intersected with public dialogue about this case.
If you have thoughts on this unsettling case or how the justice system handled these crimes, share your perspective in the comments and stay tuned for developments.