Uncovering the horrifying details of the “Deadpool Killer” case
After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation on June 25th, the jury voted 9-3 in favor of the death penalty for the killing of Melton and 10-2 for Ruiz. They agreed, based on Florida law’s definition of aggravating factors, that the crimes were “heinous, atrocious, or cruel.” In 2023, Florida and Alabama became the only states where a unanimous jury vote is not required to recommend the death penalty, with at least eight votes needed.
Additional to the aggravating factors, Ruiz’s murder was also considered “cold, calculated, and premeditated.”
On August 15th, Judge Nicholas R. Thompson of Lee County Circuit denied the defense’s motion for a new trial, filed on July 3rd.
During Wilson’s sentencing hearing on August 27th, a letter from his adoptive parents, Steve and Cindy Wilson, was read by Shirley. The letter apologized to the victims’ families and stated that their son’s drug addiction led him to be delusional, as reported by the News-Press.
“Wade was a joyful child,” they expressed. “Loved his parents.” However, they added, “The system failed him on that fateful day in 2019. Please find it in your heart not to take our son.”