New legal developments have brought Wade Wilson’s death-penalty case back into the spotlight. Wilson, who was convicted in the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, is challenging his death sentences through Florida’s appellate courts. His case is currently before the Florida Supreme Court under Case No. SC2024-1345.

A major issue raised by Wilson’s defense concerns Florida’s 2023 death-penalty law, which permits a jury to recommend death without a unanimous vote. In Wilson’s case, the jury recommended death by 9–3 for Melton’s murder and 10–2 for Ruiz’s murder. His attorneys argue that applying the newer law to crimes committed in 2019 raises constitutional questions.

The case reached a significant stage when the Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments on February 5, 2026. The official court record shows the appeal remains open, and the proceeding concerns multiple arguments seeking reversal of Wilson’s death sentences.

Another recent development came in May, when the Florida Supreme Court granted the withdrawal of one of Wilson’s attorneys from the case. The court docket records that Laurel Cornell Niles was permitted to withdraw as co-counsel on May 7, 2026.

But there is an important distinction: there is no verified report showing that investigators have uncovered a brand-new piece of physical evidence that changes the underlying murder convictions. The latest developments are primarily legal and appellate developments surrounding his death sentences, rather than newly discovered evidence proving or disproving the murders.

Wilson remains on Florida’s death row while the legal process continues. His appeal is therefore another important chapter in determining whether the two death sentences will ultimately stand.