Who Is Wade Wilson? The Real Story Behind the “Deadpool Killer”
Wade Wilson is a Florida man convicted of murdering two women in a single day in 2019 — and his name happens to match the fictional Marvel Comics character known as Deadpool.
Here is a quick summary of the real Wade Wilson:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Wade Steven Wilson |
| Born | May 20, 1994 |
| Known as | The “Deadpool Killer” |
| Crime | Murdered Kristine Melton (35) and Diane Ruiz (43) on October 7, 2019 |
| Location | Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida |
| Convicted | June 12, 2024 — six charges including two counts of first-degree murder |
| Sentence | Two death sentences (August 28, 2024) |
| Current location | Death row, Union Correctional Institution, Raiford, FL |
The case drew massive media attention — not just because of the brutal nature of the crimes, but because Wilson’s name is identical to the alter ego of Marvel’s Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds.
That pop culture coincidence turned a local Florida murder case into a national true crime phenomenon.
The story involves a troubled childhood, a long criminal record, ignored warning signs, and two women whose lives were cut short in a single horrifying night. Prosecutor Andreas Gardiner described the killings as “matar por matar” — killing for the sake of killing.
This article covers everything: who Wade Wilson is, what he did, how he was caught, and where the case stands today.
The Origins of the “Deadpool Killer”
At R. Couri Hay, we often see how a name can change the entire trajectory of a news cycle. In this case, the name Wade Wilson—shared with the Marvel anti-hero played by Ryan Reynolds—transformed a local tragedy into a global sensation. However, the man behind the headlines is far from a cinematic hero.
Born on May 20, 1994, Wilson’s life was marked by instability from the very beginning. He was adopted as an infant, but his parents later described a difficult journey as he aged. Wade Wilson’s troubled early years were characterized by adolescent rebellion and an increasing detachment from social norms. As we look at his background, a pattern of substance abuse and escalating aggression emerges, painting a picture of a man spiraling long before the 2019 murders.
One of the most significant factors discussed during his trial was his history of head trauma. Defense experts noted that Wilson sustained at least four concussions during his youth. These injuries were cited as potential contributors to his chronic instability and deteriorating mental health. While his adoptive parents recalled a once-joyful child, that image was eventually replaced by a man plagued by paranoid delusions and addiction.
The Criminal History of Wade Wilson
Long before the names Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz became synonymous with this tragedy, Wade Wilson had a rap sheet that should have served as a louder warning to the justice system. His criminal history dates back to 2012 and 2013, with convictions for burglary and grand theft. By 2017, he was convicted of firearm theft, and in early 2019, he was charged with battery.
Perhaps the most chilling “what if” in this case involves a report filed nine months before the murders. An ex-girlfriend had accused Wilson of theft, kidnapping, and sexual battery. However, the case was dismissed due to a no-contact order, a systemic failure that allowed Wilson to remain on the streets. This lack of institutional follow-up is often viewed as a determining factor in the tragedy that followed. Interestingly, Wilson also acted as a police informant in 2016 regarding a murder-for-hire plot, showing his deep, varied entanglement with the law.
Psychological Factors and Brain Trauma
During the penalty phase of his trial, the courtroom heard extensive testimony regarding Wilson’s psychological state. Neurologists presented brain scans showing significant head trauma from his childhood injuries. The defense argued that these “organic brain damages” made him prone to impulsive violence.
However, the prosecution countered this by emphasizing his heavy drug addiction. They argued that his actions were not the result of a damaged brain, but rather the choices of a man who used substances to fuel his innate aggression. The jury ultimately found the “heinous, atrocious, and cruel” nature of the crimes outweighed these mitigating psychological factors.
The 2019 Florida Murders: A Timeline of Terror
The events of October 7, 2019, shook the communities of Fort Myers and Cape Coral to their core. In a span of just a few hours, Wade Wilson committed two of the most brutal murders in the region’s history.
The timeline began at a Fort Myers bar, where Wilson met 35-year-old Kristine Melton. After spending time together, they went back to her home. While Melton slept, Wilson strangled her to death. He then stole her car and contacted an ex-girlfriend, whom he also physically assaulted.
Driven by what prosecutors called a desire for “killing for the sake of killing,” Wilson then traveled to Cape Coral. There, he encountered 43-year-old Diane Ruiz, a mother of two who was simply walking to work.
Wilson lured Ruiz into the stolen vehicle by pretending to ask for directions. Once she was inside, he strangled her. Realizing she was still breathing after he pushed her out of the car, Wilson proceeded to run her over multiple times. His father later testified that Wilson told him he did it until she “looked like spaghetti.” The level of premeditation and brutality led Judge Nicholas Thompson to describe the acts as “atroces, crueles y fríamente premeditados.”
How Wade Wilson Was Caught
The capture of Wade Wilson was made possible by an unexpected source: his biological father, Steven Testasecca. Shortly after the murders, Wilson called Testasecca and confessed, famously saying, “Soy un asesino” (I am a killer).
Testasecca, horrified by the graphic details his son provided—including the admission that he “just wanted to do it”—immediately contacted the authorities. This tip-off led police to Wilson, who was still driving Kristine Melton’s stolen car. Upon his arrest, Wilson was surprisingly candid, reportedly telling detectives he would “do it again” if given the chance.
Additional Criminal Activities in Jail
Even while behind bars awaiting trial, Wilson continued to make headlines. He underwent a dramatic physical transformation, covering his face in tattoos, including swastikas under his eyes and on his scalp. These markings, which he claimed were not politically motivated but meant to shock, certainly contributed to his “smug, soulless” courtroom demeanor.
In 2020, Wilson was accused of masterminding an escape attempt from the Lee County Jail. While the plan was foiled, it added to his notoriety. Later, in 2023, he pleaded no contest to charges related to drug smuggling within the jail after surviving an overdose on a synthetic substance. His inability to stay out of trouble even in a controlled environment further solidified the prosecution’s argument regarding his volatile nature.
Trial, Sentencing, and the Fate of Wade Wilson
The judicial process for Wade Wilson lasted nearly five years, culminating in a high-profile trial in June 2024. He was convicted on six charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. The sentencing phase was particularly intense, as the jury had to decide between life in prison or the death penalty.
Under Florida’s 2023 law, a unanimous verdict is no longer required for a death recommendation—only 8 out of 12 jurors must agree. In Wilson’s case, the jury exceeded this threshold:
- 9-3 vote in favor of death for the murder of Kristine Melton.
- 10-2 vote in favor of death for the murder of Diane Ruiz.
On August 28, 2024, Florida killer Wade Wilson sentenced to death officially. Judge Nicholas Thompson upheld the jury’s recommendation, citing the “heinous, atrocious, and cruel” nature of the killings.
The Current Legal Status of Wade Wilson
As of 2025, Wade Wilson is 31 years old and resides on death row at the Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. His journey to death row was finalized after he pleaded to his remaining jail-site crimes in late 2024 to clear the way for his transfer.
His legal team recently appeared before the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee to challenge the death sentence. However, the hearing was unexpectedly brief. In a move that prompted some surprise in the courtroom, the defense conceded their primary arguments after only 90 seconds, noting that recent rulings in other cases (such as Jackson and Hunt) had already rejected the “ex post facto” challenges they intended to raise.
While his state-level appeals hit a significant roadblock, his attorneys have indicated they intend to take the case to the United States Supreme Court. For now, he remains at the Raiford facility, where Florida’s death row inmates are traditionally housed.
Media Coverage and Public Fascination
The “Wade Wilson” case has become a lightning rod for the true crime community. The juxtaposition of his name with a beloved Marvel character, combined with his “Handsome Devil” nickname and “soulless” courtroom smirk, created a viral storm.
A documentary released in early 2024, along with a Paramount+ series, has kept the case in the public eye. However, this fascination has a dark side. There has been a disturbing trend of social media users romanticizing Wilson, with some even sending letters to the judge begging for his life to be spared.
At R. Couri Hay, we understand the power of narrative, but it is vital to center the victims in these stories. The community in Cape Coral continues to heal from the trauma of 2019, and victim advocates remain vocal about the need to prioritize the lives of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz over the sensationalism of their killer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wade Wilson
Why is Wade Wilson called the “Deadpool Killer”?
He earned the nickname simply because he shares a name with the Marvel Comics character Wade Wilson, also known as Deadpool. The media and public adopted the moniker during his 2019 arrest, and it was further popularized by a 2024 documentary.
What were the specific details of the 2019 murders?
On October 7, 2019, Wilson met Kristine Melton at a bar and later strangled her in her home. Hours later, he kidnapped Diane Ruiz in a stolen car, strangled her, and ran her over multiple times after realizing she was still alive. He confessed these details to his biological father.
Is Wade Wilson still on death row?
Yes. As of early 2025, Wade Wilson is incarcerated at the Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. While his legal team is attempting to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, his initial state-level challenges were unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The case of Wade Wilson is a sobering reminder of how personal tragedy can be amplified by the lens of media sensationalism. From the coincidence of his name to the viral nature of his courtroom appearances, the “Deadpool Killer” narrative has captivated millions. Yet, beneath the face tattoos and the “Handsome Devil” headlines lies a story of systemic failure, brutal premeditation, and the loss of two innocent women.
As high-profile trials continue to dominate our digital landscape, the legal precedents set in the Wilson case—particularly regarding Florida’s death penalty thresholds—will be watched closely by legal experts in New York, Palm Beach, and beyond.
For those interested in the intersection of media, high-profile legal battles, and the stories that shape our culture, we invite you to explore more. More info about gossip services can be found on our main site, where we continue to track the narratives that define our world.