Wade Wilson, known as the 'Deadpool Killer,' has been sentenced to death for the gruesome murders of two women in Florida.

The 30-year-old, who shares a name with the Marvel antihero, showed no emotion as Judge Nicholas R Thompson handed down two death sentences on Tuesday for the 2019 killings of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.

According to Daily Mail Online, Wilson was convicted in June of two counts each of first-degree murder and first-degree premeditated murder.

The jury recommended the death penalty with votes of 9-3 for Melton's murder and 10-2 for Ruiz's killing. Under Florida law, only eight out of 12 jurors need to recommend a death sentence for it to be considered by a judge.

Gruesome Details Of The Double Homicide

The prosecution outlined Wilson's murderous rampage, which began on October 6, 2019. After meeting Melton at a bar, Wilson strangled her to death in her Cape Coral home the next day. He then stole her car and encountered Ruiz, who was on her way to work.

Wilson asked Ruiz for directions before persuading her to get into the stolen vehicle. He proceeded to strangle her as well. Ruiz's body was discovered three days later in a field behind a Sam's Club. Wilson's father testified that his son had run over Ruiz's body repeatedly.

Following the murders, Wilson drove to Fort Myers and attacked his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Montanez. He was finally apprehended on October 8 after a brief police chase.

Defense Arguments And Expert Testimony

Throughout the trial, Wilson's defense team attempted to attribute his actions to drug impairment.

They called upon Dr. Mark Rubino, a neurologist, who testified to finding evidence of cognitive and emotional dysfunction in Wilson's brain, possibly exacerbated by drug use on the night of the murders.

Wilson's adoptive parents submitted letters describing him as a "joyful child" who became delusional after developing a drug addiction. Several women, seemingly infatuated with Wilson, also wrote to the judge pleading for leniency.

Defense attorney Lee Hollander stated: "We'd ask the court to take into consideration that death is permanent."

However, the prosecution's expert witness, Dr. Thomas Coyne, a neuropathologist and associate medical examiner, found no evidence of damage to Wilson's skull or brain.

Judge's Ruling And Victims' Families' Reactions

Judge Thompson ultimately sided with the prosecution, stating that neither Wilson's background nor mental state suggested that a death sentence was inappropriate given the facts of the case.

The families of Melton and Ruiz expressed satisfaction with the verdict. Melton's cousin Samantha vowed to attend Wilson's execution, saying, "This will not be the last that Wade Wilson sees of us in a courtroom."

Ruiz's father also plans to be present when Wilson is on death row, expressing regret that he didn't get to say "I love you" to his daughter before her untimely death.

Why This Story Matters

This case notably underscores the necessity for community awareness and the importance of a vigilant justice system. It highlights the resilience of families seeking justice, the community's role in supporting those affected by crime, and the ongoing debate surrounding the death penalty in America.

Conclusion

The 'Deadpool Killer' case has come to a close, with Wade Wilson receiving two death sentences for the murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz. The brutal nature of the crimes and the jury's recommendations heavily influenced the judge's decision.

Wilson will now be transferred to the Florida Department of Corrections to await execution. The victims' families have vowed to see the process through to its conclusion, while prosecutors emphasized that Wilson will now be "just a number" in the system.