Wade Wilson, the convicted murderer who became a viral social media fixation as the “Deadpool Killer,” is back in the spotlight after his crimes were documented in Paramount+’s Handsome Devil: Charming Killer and Netflix’s Worst Ex Ever. Wilson was found guilty in June 2024 of murdering Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in Cape Coral, Florida, and was sentenced to death two months later.
Here’s everything to know about Wilson, his crimes and the social media fascination that surrounds him.
Inside Wade Wilson’s Crimes
Wilson killed Melton and Ruiz on the same morning of October 7, 2019, in Cape Coral, Florida, according to A&E. The night before, Wilson met Melton at a bar, where the two hit it off. Their group eventually returned to a friend’s house, and Wilson and Melton became intimate. Their encounter took a horrifying turn when Wilson strangled Melton in her bed, then stole her car and fled the scene.
That same morning, Wilson violently assaulted his then-girlfriend, Mila Montanez, at her workplace. His rampage continued when he spotted Ruiz walking to her nearby job. Wilson asked Ruiz for directions and managed to lure her into his car, where he strangled her. He initially thought Ruiz was dead and planned to bury her body, but when he realized she was still breathing, he ran her over several times with Melton’s stolen car.
In disturbing audio featured in the docuseries trailer, Wilson can be heard describing the killings in his own words. “I choked her out so she couldn’t breathe anymore,” he said in a recorded phone call. “I was on a rampage at this point.”
Another clip captured Wilson saying, “A rage overcomes me. Just kill, kill, kill. When I get that way, I become the devil. I’m like the lion, you’re the prey. I can sense it.”
Wade Wilson’s Arrest and Confession
Wilson was ultimately turned in by his own biological father, Steven Testasecca. After the murders, he confessed the graphic details of what he had done to Testasecca during several phone calls. Testasecca contacted law enforcement, and Wilson was arrested later that evening.
Once in police custody, Wilson reportedly showed no remorse for the killings. Authorities said he told them he would commit the crimes “again” if given the chance.
In voiceover audio featured in the trailer, Wilson is heard reflecting on his approach to the women he encountered. “This is what I do with women, you know. I use my charm, my good looks,” he said.
Wade Wilson’s Trial and Death Sentence
Wilson’s case went to trial in June 2024. He was found guilty on six counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, grand theft, burglary and battery, according to A&E. In August 2024, Wilson was sentenced to death.
Before the trial began, Wilson dramatically altered his appearance by getting tattoos covering his face and neck. The new look helped transform public perception of him — and turned the case into a social media phenomenon.
Has a Date Been Set for Wade Wilson’s Execution?
An execution date has not yet been set for Wilson. His attorneys are actively appealing his death sentence, arguing that a 2023 Florida state law that allows juries to recommend a death sentence without a unanimous vote should not apply to Wilson because his crimes were committed before the law was passed, according to NJ.com.
Wade Wilson’s Rise to Social Media Notoriety
As Wilson’s mugshot circulated online, his face tattoos and good looks made him a viral figure. The media nicknamed him the “Deadpool Killer” because he shares his name with the Marvel antihero played by Ryan Reynolds.
Public fascination quickly spilled offline. Women showed up to his court appearances in support, and entire social media accounts were dedicated to him. One commentator featured in Handsome Devil: Charming Killer noted that Wilson was “building a cult following.”
In the trailer, women from Wilson’s past recall describing him as “attractive” and “very nice” before his arrest, with some admitting they thought they could change him. The footage captures the unsettling collision of true crime and internet culture that the docuseries plans to explore.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
