Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

Wade Wilson, nicknamed the "Deadpool killer," received a death sentence Tuesday for the brutal murders of two women in 2019. The jury recommended the death penalty for both killings, and Judge Nicholas Thompson agreed with their recommendation.

Wade Wilson, the man known as the "Deadpool killer," was sentenced to death Tuesday for the gruesome murders of two Florida women in 2019. Wilson, 30, showed no emotion as Judge Nicholas Thompson delivered the sentence, the New York Post reported.

A jury in Lee County, Florida, found Wilson guilty in June of strangling Kristine Melton to death as she slept after meeting her at a bar. The same day, he beat, strangled, and ran over Diane Ruiz with his car after spotting her on a street.

Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

"The evidence shows the murders were heinous, atrocious and cruel. and that the second murder was cold, calculated and premeditated," Thompson said during sentencing.

Ten out of 12 jurors voted for the death penalty in Ruiz's murder, while nine out of 12 voted for death in Melton's murder. Florida law requires eight jurors to vote for the death penalty for a sentence to be imposed.

Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

State Attorney Amira Fox praised the jury's decision in a news conference following the sentencing, while flanked by the victims' families. "He will pay the ultimate price," Fox said.

During the trial, Wilson's defense attempted to argue that he had a "diseased mind" caused by drug addiction, according to local TV station FOX 4. His legal team filed a motion on July 3 seeking a new trial or acquittal, but Judge Thompson denied the motion on August 15, according to the local media outlet The News-Press.

Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

The sentencing had originally been scheduled for July 23 but was delayed due to a defense motion regarding the scheduling of expert witness testimony.

Felix Ruiz, Diane Ruiz's father, expressed relief and vowed to be present when Wilson is executed. "This is not the end. The end is when the accused takes his last breath, and I will be there at the execution," Ruiz said.

Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

Wilson's nickname, "Deadpool killer," stems from his resemblance to the Marvel Comics character Deadpool. The character is known for his red suit, black mask, and penchant for violence.

The jury's recommendation and Judge Thompson's subsequent sentence reflect the severity of Wilson's crimes. Melton was a mother of two, and Ruiz was a social worker. Their murders shocked and saddened their community.

Man Known as “Deadpool Killer” Sentenced to Death for 2019 Murders

The death sentence imposed on Wilson underscores the state of Florida's stance on violent crime and its commitment to protecting its citizens. The sentence also sends a message that those who commit heinous crimes will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.