Where Is Wade Wilson Now? A Look at the Florida Death-Penalty Case

Wade Steven Wilson became widely known in Florida after being convicted in connection with the 2019 deaths of two women, Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43.

The case attracted national attention because of the circumstances surrounding the two killings and Wilson’s subsequent statements to investigators. His connection to the Marvel character with the same name also led some media outlets and internet users to refer to him by a nickname associated with the fictional character.

Wilson had previous encounters with law enforcement before October 7, 2019. On that day, prosecutors said he met Melton at a Fort Myers bar before later going to her home. Investigators determined that Melton was killed there.

Later that morning, Wilson encountered Ruiz, who was on her way to work. Prosecutors said he persuaded her to enter a vehicle and subsequently killed her.

Wilson was arrested less than a day later after contacting his biological father, Steven Testasecca. According to testimony presented in court, Wilson made statements about the killings during their conversations. Testasecca contacted authorities, providing information that helped investigators locate Wilson.

The investigation produced additional evidence connecting Wilson to the deaths, including forensic evidence and information obtained during the investigation.

In June 2024, a Lee County jury found Wilson guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. In August 2024, a judge sentenced him to death on both counts.

Wilson’s case has since attracted renewed public attention through true-crime documentaries and television coverage. Paramount+ released Handsome Devil: Charming Killer in January 2026, while Netflix later featured the case in Worst Ex Ever.

Who Is Wade Wilson?
Wilson was born in Florida in 1994 and was adopted as a child by Cindy and Steve Wilson of Cape Coral.

Reports and court records describe a troubled adolescence and a history of behavioral and substance-abuse problems. His adoptive parents later submitted a statement to the court describing changes they said they observed in him as he grew older.

Prosecutors, meanwhile, presented his criminal history and conduct as part of their case during sentencing.

What Happened in 2019?
According to evidence presented at trial, Wilson met Melton and other people at a Fort Myers bar before later going to Melton’s home.

After Melton’s friend left, prosecutors said Wilson killed Melton and took her vehicle.

Later, he encountered Ruiz while she was walking to work. Investigators said Wilson approached her and persuaded her to enter the vehicle before the second killing occurred.

The medical evidence presented at trial supported the prosecution’s account of the deaths.

How Was Wilson Arrested?
Wilson contacted his biological father following the killings. During their conversations, he allegedly made statements about what had happened.

His father contacted law enforcement and provided investigators with information about Wilson and the vehicle he was driving.

Police located Wilson later that day and arrested him without incident. His subsequent statements and other evidence became part of the prosecution’s case.

Where Is Wade Wilson Today?
Wilson is currently incarcerated at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, where Florida’s male death-row inmates are housed.

Although he has received two death sentences, an execution does not automatically follow immediately. Death-penalty cases are subject to appeals and other legal proceedings.

Wilson’s attorneys have pursued challenges to his convictions and sentences. Some of those legal efforts have faced unfavorable rulings, while further proceedings may determine what happens next in the case.

For now, Wilson remains on Florida’s death row as his legal case continues.

The case remains closely followed because of the severity of the convictions, the death sentences and the ongoing legal process.

Source: People