You’ve probably seen the name popping up everywhere on social media lately. Maybe you saw a clip of a guy with face tattoos looking completely unfazed in a Florida courtroom, or perhaps you caught wind of the bizarre "fan clubs" dedicated to him. But behind the viral TikTok edits and the "Deadpool" nickname lies a much darker reality. Wade Wilson the criminal is not a fictional character or a misunderstood anti-hero; he is a convicted double murderer currently residing on Florida’s death row.
The story began on October 7, 2019, in Cape Coral. It wasn't some grand cinematic plot. It was a brutal, senseless spree that claimed the lives of two women who had the misfortune of crossing his path.
Honestly, the details are stomach-churning.
The Crimes that Shocked Cape Coral
Wade Wilson’s path of destruction started with Kristine Melton. They met at a live music bar, and later that night, they went back to her home. While she was asleep, Wilson strangled her to death. He didn't stop there. He stole her car and used her phone to reach out to an ex-girlfriend, whom he also attacked.
Then came Diane Ruiz.
She was just walking to work when Wilson pulled over in Melton's stolen car. He asked her for directions, lured her inside, and then strangled her too. In a detail that haunted the jury, Wilson’s own biological father, Steven Testasecca, testified that Wilson admitted to running Ruiz over repeatedly because she "wasn't dead yet." He told his father he wanted to make her "look like spaghetti."
It’s that kind of cold, detached cruelty that led the prosecution to describe the murders as being done "for the sake of killing." There was no motive. No hidden trauma that justifies it. Just a series of "heinous, atrocious, and cruel" acts, as Judge Nicholas Thompson later put it.
Why the Deadpool Killer Label is so Polarizing
The media was quick to latch onto the "Deadpool Killer" moniker because he shares a name with the Marvel character played by Ryan Reynolds. It's a weird coincidence, sure, but it added a layer of surrealism to an already grim case. Wilson leaned into the "bad boy" image, sporting facial tattoos—including a swastika under his eye—and a smug demeanor throughout his 2024 trial.
But here is where things get truly strange.
Despite the graphic testimony and the sheer brutality of the crimes, Wade Wilson criminal proceedings became a magnet for a certain subset of the internet. Thousands of people—mostly women—started sending him letters and money. They formed groups online, some even calling themselves "Wade's Wives." This phenomenon, often called hybristophilia, is where people are sexually or romantically attracted to those who commit horrific crimes.
Paramount+ even announced a docuseries titled Handsome Devil: Charming Killer to explore this exact intersection of social media and criminal justice. It’s set to air this month, in January 2026.
The Legal Battle and Death Row
The trial itself was a landmark for Florida's justice system. Wilson was one of the first high-profile defendants sentenced under Florida’s 2023 death penalty law. This law is controversial because it no longer requires a unanimous jury for a death recommendation.
- For Kristine Melton, the jury voted 9-12 for death.
- For Diane Ruiz, the vote was 10-12.
In almost any other state, those split votes would have meant life without parole. But in Florida, it was enough for the judge to hand down two death sentences in August 2024.
Since then, Wilson has been anything but a model prisoner. Reports from 2025 detailed a 163-page disciplinary file. He’s been involved in drug smuggling, had a jail overdose, and was even linked to an escape attempt. As of early 2026, he is sitting in Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Case
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around, especially in those "fan" circles. Some claim he’s a victim of his upbringing or that brain injuries caused the violence. His defense team actually tried to use this, bringing in a neurologist who testified about Wilson’s history of concussions and "impairment."
However, the prosecution's experts fired back, arguing that his history of drug abuse was a much bigger factor. They pointed out that many people have head injuries and don't go on to murder strangers. The jury clearly agreed with the prosecution.
Another misconception is that his execution is imminent. In reality, Florida's legal process is long. His appellate counsel filed an initial brief with the Florida Supreme Court in May 2025, arguing that the retroactive application of the new death penalty law was unconstitutional. Oral arguments were originally set for late 2025 but have been pushed into 2026.
Actionable Takeaways: Staying Informed and Safe
When cases like this go viral, the "true crime" of it all can start to feel like entertainment. It’s vital to separate the TikTok-ified version of Wade Wilson the criminal from the reality of the victims and the legal system.
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- Prioritize Victim Stories: When following true crime, look for sources that center on the victims (like Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz) rather than the perpetrator. It helps maintain a grounded perspective on the actual cost of the crimes.
- Understand Your Local Laws: The Wilson case highlights how much sentencing can vary by state. If you live in a state with the death penalty, staying informed about "jury unanimity" laws helps you understand how justice is administered in your backyard.
- Critical Consumption of Media: With the new docuseries launching, be aware that "prestige" documentaries often use dramatic editing. Check the official court transcripts or State Attorney's Office releases for the unvarnished facts.
- Support for Domestic Violence: One of the most chilling aspects of Wilson's history was the trail of battery and assault allegations leading up to the murders. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) provide immediate, confidential help.
The fascination with Wilson may eventually fade as the news cycle moves on, but for the families in Cape Coral, the impact of his actions is permanent. The legal system is currently navigating the complex appeals process, and the outcome will likely set a major precedent for Florida's capital punishment laws for years to come.
Next Step: I can provide a breakdown of how Florida's 2023 death penalty legislation differs from other states if you want to understand the legal specifics of his appeal.