Newly reviewed court records and recent reporting are bringing renewed attention to the case of Wade Steven Wilson, the Florida man convicted of murdering Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in October 2019. Wilson was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in 2024 and sentenced to death in August of that year. His case, however, is still moving through the appeals process.

One of the most important developments is now in the courtroom rather than at the crime scene. Wilson’s mandatory death-penalty appeal, Wade Steven Wilson v. State of Florida, remains officially listed as OPEN by the Florida Supreme Court. The court held oral arguments on February 5, 2026, and the latest docket activity currently listed is a May 7, 2026 order allowing one of his attorneys to withdraw as co-counsel.

Wilson’s defense has challenged aspects of the death-sentencing process, including Florida’s newer law allowing a death recommendation without a unanimous jury vote. At sentencing, the jury recommended death by 9–3 for Melton and 10–2 for Ruiz, an issue that became central to the legal challenge. His attorney previously indicated that the constitutional arguments could ultimately be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Another detail receiving renewed attention is the evidence and testimony surrounding what happened after the killings. Reports have said Wilson contacted his biological father and allegedly described what he had done, after which his father contacted authorities. That account became part of the chain of events leading investigators to Wilson.

At the same time, earlier allegations involving Wilson have returned to public scrutiny. A 2019 sexual-assault investigation involving a former girlfriend was reportedly closed before the later murders; an internal review subsequently concluded that the investigation had not been sufficiently thorough. That earlier case was separate from the murder convictions and should not be presented as a conviction.

What is confirmed right now: Wilson remains on Florida’s death row, his death sentences remain in effect, and there is no publicly announced execution date. The Florida Supreme Court’s official docket continues to show the direct appeal as open.