Wade Steven Wilson is a Florida man serving two death sentences for murdering two women on the same day in October 2019. He became known as the “Deadpool Killer” because he shares his name with the Marvel Comics character. He is currently on death row at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, while his attorneys pursue a federal appeal.
Wilson was born on May 20, 1994, and was adopted as an infant by a Cape Coral couple . His adoptive parents later described a childhood that deteriorated into withdrawal, mental illness, and addiction . By his early twenties, Wilson had accumulated arrests for domestic violence, drug possession, and other offenses . In February 2019, his then-girlfriend Kelly Matthews reported that he had beaten, strangled, and sexually assaulted her in Palm Beach County . The case was closed without charges, a decision later criticized in an internal review .
On October 7, 2019, Wilson met Kristine Melton, 35, at a Fort Myers bar called Buddha LIVE . After the bar closed, the group relocated, and Wilson eventually went to Melton’s Cape Coral home . After the other guest left, Wilson strangled Melton to death in her bed . He then stole her car and drove to the workplace of his then-girlfriend, where he assaulted her in the parking lot before she escaped and called police .
Hours later, Wilson encountered Diane Ruiz, 43, walking along a Cape Coral street . He lured her into Melton’s stolen car by asking for directions . When Ruiz tried to exit, Wilson beat and strangled her, pushed her from the vehicle, and ran her over repeatedly . He later told his biological father that he wanted to make Ruiz look “like spaghetti” . Ruiz’s body was discovered days later after vultures circling in the sky alerted authorities .
Wilson called his biological father, Steven Testasecca, after the murders and confessed . Testasecca contacted police and persuaded Wilson to surrender . Wilson was arrested the following day . At trial, Testasecca testified that Wilson seemed “excited” while describing the killings and said his son would have done it again .Quick Bio: Wade Steven Wilson
Notes on unavailable fields: Wilson has no professional works, awards, or verified net worth. His “years active” reflects documented criminal activity. No confirmed spouse exists; the “Wade’s Wives” phenomenon refers to incarcerated fans, not a legal marriage .
A Lee County jury convicted Wilson of two counts of first-degree murder in June 2024 . The same jury recommended death by votes of 9 to 3 for Melton’s murder and 10 to 2 for Ruiz’s murder . On August 27, 2024, Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced Wilson to two death sentences, calling the murders heinous, atrocious, and cruel .
Wilson’s appeal does not challenge his guilt. His attorney, Michael Ufferman, argues that applying Florida’s 2023 death penalty law to his 2019 crimes violates constitutional protections against retroactive punishment . The 2023 law allows a death sentence with only 8 of 12 jurors recommending death, while the previous standard required unanimity . At a Florida Supreme Court hearing in February 2026, Ufferman spoke for roughly 90 seconds before acknowledging that recent rulings had already foreclosed his arguments . The court upheld Wilson’s sentence, and his legal team has announced plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court .
Wilson’s case has drawn renewed attention through two true-crime productions. Paramount+ released the three-part documentary “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer” in January 2026 . Netflix featured Wilson in the episode “Dating the Deadpool Killer” from season two of “Worst Ex Ever,” which premiered on May 6, 2026 . Both productions examine how Wilson’s mugshot and courtroom demeanor generated an online following despite the brutality of his crimes .
The name “Deadpool Killer” originates from Wilson’s shared name with Wade Wilson, the alter ego of Marvel’s Deadpool . Unlike the fictional character, whose healing factor and mercenary career are central to his identity, the Florida Wilson has no connection to the comics beyond the coincidence of his birth name . That distinction matters for readers encountering the nickname online, where true-crime coverage and comic book content can blur in search results.
Is Wade Wilson still alive in 2026?
Yes, Wade Wilson is alive as of late 2026. He is incarcerated at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida, awaiting execution. No execution date has been set because his attorneys are actively appealing his death sentence through the federal court system .
Why is Wade Wilson called the “Deadpool Killer”?
The nickname comes from a pure coincidence of names. Wilson shares his birth name with Wade Wilson, the alter ego of the Marvel Comics character Deadpool. The media adopted the moniker during his heavily publicized 2024 trial, and it stuck because of his viral mugshot and the bizarre online following that emerged around him .
What was Wade Wilson convicted of?
A Lee County jury convicted Wilson in June 2024 of two counts of first-degree murder for killing Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, on October 7, 2019. He was also convicted of burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery, and petit theft. Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced him to two death sentences on August 27, 2024 .
Why is Wade Wilson appealing his death sentence?
Wilson is not challenging his guilt. His attorney, Michael Ufferman, argues that applying Florida’s 2023 death penalty law to his 2019 crimes is unconstitutional. The 2023 law allows a death recommendation with an 8-to-4 jury vote, while the law at the time of the murders required unanimity. The Florida Supreme Court upheld his sentence in February 2026, and his legal team plans to petition the U.S. Supreme Court .
Where can I watch documentaries about the Wade Wilson case?
Two major productions cover the case. Paramount+ released the three-part documentary “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer” in January 2026, examining his crimes and the online fan culture surrounding him. Netflix featured him in the episode “Dating the Deadpool Killer” from season two of “Worst Ex Ever,” which premiered on May 6, 2026, focusing on his abusive relationship with ex-girlfriend Kelly Matthews .
