By Courtney McGinley, Erin Keller, and Eileen Holliday
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Wade Wilson learned his fate today of death for the murders of two women in Cape Coral, Florida. That's a wrap for our live coverage. Read Newsweek's live blog with all of today's updates from our reporter Erin Keller who was inside the courthouse for the convicted killer's sentencing.
Aug 27, 2024 at 06:37 PM EDT
WATCH: Newsweek Reporter Recaps Wild Day With Wade Wilson
Aug 27, 2024 at 06:27 PM EDT
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Wade Wilson’s Attorney Calls Online Attention ‘Ridiculous’
Aug 27, 2024 at 06:15 PM EDT
Victims Were Defenseless
"He murdered a woman in her own home who did nothing to harm him, Christine Melton, as she simply slept in her bed, murdered another woman, Diane Ruiz, who was simply walking to work," State Attorney Amira Fox said. "Both these women physically suffered tremendously due to his decision to kill and due to his horrible actions."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
Aug 27, 2024 at 06:02 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Prosecutors Slam His Supporters: ‘Defendant is Being Idolized’
Wilson showed little to no emotion as the judge ordered the death penalty at the sentencing on Tuesday. In June, Wilson was convicted of murdering 35-year-old Kristine Melton and 43-year-old Diane Ruiz in 2019.
Amira Fox, State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida, said her office has noticed a number of individuals who have voiced their support for Wilson.
"It has not gone unnoticed that this defendant has been is being idolized by some people who are somehow proud to mix their name with his through public comments, fundraising for him or holding him up to be some sort of positive representation of a man, ignoring that he is nothing more than a vicious killer and about the most poor representation of a man there could ever be," Fox said.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
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Aug 27, 2024 at 05:56 PM EDT
Assistant State Attorney Sarah Miller Speaks Out
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:51 PM EDT
‘I think it’s ridiculous’
Wilson's lawyer is speaking out about the fandom associated with Wade.
"It's very unusual; I've never been involved in anything like this before," he told Newsweek. "Tens of thousands of people are communicating with him or with each other about him. I think it's ridiculous."
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:49 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Facial Expressions in Court Today
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Aug 27, 2024 at 05:47 PM EDT
Wilson Silent
Wilson was silent, he knew it was coming all along.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:43 PM EDT
EXCLUSIVE: Lawyer Kevin Shirley
Newsweek's Erin Keller spoke to Wade Wilson's lawyer Kevin Shirley; Wilson did not comment on the sentence.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:30 PM EDT
‘Bye, Wade’
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:23 PM EDT
Key Takeaways: Press Conference
Victims' Family Members Speak Out
Diane's father Felix grew emotional after the verdict, saying, "I didn't get to say I love her." He promised to see Wade Wilson again at his execution.
Kristine's cousin stated this will not be the last Wade Wilson hears from them as they reflect on five years of agony.
Prosecutors Slamming Supporters
Prosecutors labeled Wilson as 'evil' and 'monstrous,' questioning why he has any supporters. They emphasized that he is no idol and is now merely a number in the Florida Department of Corrections, awaiting death.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:16 PM EDT
Press Conference Wrapping Up
The press conference following Wade Wilson's death sentence has now concluded.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:15 PM EDT
‘Evil’ and ‘Monstrous’
Prosecutors described Wilson as 'evil' and 'monstrous,' expressing confusion over why he has any supporters.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:12 PM EDT
Map Shows States That Have Executed Death Row Inmates in 2024
Twelve prisoners on death row have been executed so far this year, with more executions expected to come.
The capital punishments took place at facilities in Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, Oklahoma, Utah and Texas. The inmates ranged in age from 41 to 69. All of them were male.
Most of the inmates were killed by lethal injection, with the exception of Alabama death row inmate Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was the first inmate to be killed by nitrogen hypoxia, an execution method where the person is forced to breathe only nitrogen, causing asphyxiation.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:09 PM EDT
Justice For Melton and Ruiz
"This case was not about Wilson, it was about Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz."
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:03 PM EDT
‘He is no idol’
The prosecutor stated that Wilson is now just a number in the Florida Department of Corrections, awaiting death.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:01 PM EDT
Victim’s family: ‘See you at execution’
Victims' family members promised they would see Wade Wilson again at his execution.
Aug 27, 2024 at 05:00 PM EDT
Felix, Father of Diane Ruiz, Speaks Out
Diane's father grew emotional after the verdict, saying, "I didn't get to say I love her." He plans to be there when Wilson is on death row.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 04:58 PM EDT
Victims’ Families Speak: ‘This Will Not Be the Last Wade Wilson Sees of Us’
The victims' families member spoke during a press conference after the sentencing.
"Five years of agony."
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:57 PM EDT
HAPPENING NOW: Press Conference on Verdict
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:56 PM EDT
Prosecutor: ‘Justice Served’
Standing with the victims' families, the other assistant prosecutors and police as the prosecutor talked about the women who had "justice served" today.
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:50 PM EDT
Press Conference Ahead
Newsweek's Erin Keller will be live at the press conference held by prosecutors following the death sentence verdict. Stay tuned.
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:45 PM EDT
Court Adjourned: Friends and Family Embrace, One Woman in Tears
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:40 PM EDT
Wilson Escorted By Officers
Wilson, sentenced to death for the murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, leaves the courtroom escorted by five police officers.
He will be taken to the Sheriff's Department for fingerprinting, held without bond, and then transported to the Department of Corrections.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 04:31 PM EDT
Sentenced to Death
Wade Wilson is sentenced to death.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 04:30 PM EDT
Wade Wilson sentenced to death
The judge sentenced Wade Wilson to death. He showed no emotion as he took deep breaths.
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:25 PM EDT
Sentencing Begins
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:24 PM EDT
Court is back in session
Wade Wilson has entered the courtroom to learn his fate.
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:21 PM EDT
Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence
Purple clothing, ribbons and materials are commonly used to represent support for victims and to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:12 PM EDT
Sentencing Still Ahead
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:05 PM EDT
Court Delay
The fire alarm in the courtroom went off at 3:59 p.m., one minute before Wilson's sentencing was set to begin."
Aug 27, 2024 at 04:00 PM EDT
HAPPENING NOW: Sentencing Cape Coral Killing Spree Murder Trial — FL v. Wade Wilson
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:51 PM EDT
Takeaways From Spencer Hearing, Sentencing Ahead
Dr. Rubino vs. Dr. Coyne
Dr. Mark Rubino reports that Wade Wilson experiences cognitive and emotional dysfunction, acting impulsively and without consideration. He exhibits reduced thinking ability and is less likely to adjust his behavior.
He attributed this behavior to atrophy of the frontal lobe.
Dr. Thomas Coyne, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Lee County, examined Wilson's brain and found no atrophy, contradicting Dr. Mark Rubino's findings.
Dr. Coyne suggested Wilson may have suffered from hypoxia due to drug use rather than brain trauma, as the brain scans do not align with typical head trauma findings.
The Wilson's Letter
The adoptive parents of convicted killer Wilson pleaded with the court to spare him from the death sentence, stating that they "still love him."
"Despite everything, Wade is still our son and we love him," Wilson's parents wrote in a letter read that was read at a Spender hearing. "The hopes and dreams of his life are already lost, but the human is still in there somewhere, tortured beyond what most of us can even imagine."
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:39 PM EDT
Wilson Will Not Speak
Wilson considered speaking at sentencing earlier today during the Spencer hearing but ultimately decided against it.
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:30 PM EDT
30 Minutes Until Sentencing: Life or Death
Wade Wilson will either be sentenced to death or life in prison at 2 p.m. for the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 03:23 PM EDT
Wilson’s Lawyer Reads His Parents’ Letter
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:14 PM EDT
Quiet Inside and Outside the Courtroom
Despite online rumors of protests, the courthouse remains quiet outside.
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:06 PM EDT
Ex-Girlfriend Melissa ‘Mila’ Montanez in Courtroom
Wilson's other ex-girlfriend, Melissa 'Mila' Montanez, was in the courtroom with friends earlier today but left during the Spencer hearing.
Aug 27, 2024 at 03:00 PM EDT
Wilson’s Letter to Kelly Matthews
Ex-girlfriend Matthews shares a letter from Wilson on TikTok just a day before his sentencing.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:55 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Ex-Girlfriend Breaks Silence on TikTok: ‘Police Failed Me’
The ex-girlfriend of Wade Wilson, the tattoo-covered Flordia man who is facing the death penalty for brutally murdering two women in 2019, says he was never violent towards her — until he allegedly tried to kill her.
Kelly Matthews has spoken out on TikTok about dating Wilson after they met online in 2018. She told Newsweek Wilson allegedly called her last year but she blocked the jail's number.
But Matthews says Wilson's polite demeanor began to shift when he started using cocaine. She says they once got into a fight when she took his bookbag to search it for drugs. He kicked a door and she threw a kitchen table at him.
"He never hit me, ever, until that night," Matthews said in the TikTok video. "So there were really no red flags 'till the end."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:45 PM EDT
Victims’ Family and Friends Keeping Quiet
Melton and Ruiz's family and friends are keeping quiet in the Courtroom.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:43 PM EDT
Newsweek’s Erin Keller: Latest Updates
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:41 PM EDT
Wilson’s Criminal History: Drug Charges
On April 20, 2023, a K9 doing checks outside the outdoor Lee County Jail receiving center detected two bags – which both tested positive for methamphetamine – and contained loose cigarettes, suspected narcotics, lighters, and pills.
According to court documents, a source told officials that a trusty – an inmate who gets special privileges for being trustworthy and responsible – gave the drugs to another trusty who then passed them along to Wilson and another inmate.
Officials reviewed recorded inmate phone calls and learned that Wilson spoke to someone named Bonnie Wiggins about narcotics. Police then conducted an undercover investigation where they watched Wiggins and three more suspects outside of jail, which resulted in six people being arrested, including Wilson, on drug-related charges.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
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Aug 27, 2024 at 02:31 PM EDT
Wilson’s Criminal History: Jail Escape Attempt
On September 30, 2020, Wilson and his cellmate, Joseph Katz, allegedly attempted to break out of the Lee County Jail.
Court documents obtained by Newsweek state another inmate told a guard that his cellmate, Loren Curtis Sawyer, had received a note from Wilson asking him to arrange "a ride out of here."
Wade's letter requested "Curtis" arrange a getaway car "today" or "tomorrow" around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.
The reporting inmate claimed Wilson and "Curtis" were related through the prison gang, "The Unforgiven," which is believed to be a white supremacist gang.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:25 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Makes No Statement During Spencer Hearing
Wade Wilson made no statement during his Spencer hearing. It was his final chance to address the court before the judge renders a verdict of life in prison or death row.
The judge will render a verdict at 4 p.m.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:23 PM EDT
Prosecutor Recommends Death Sentence for Wade Wilson
As expected, the prosecutor closed the Spencer hearing with a final recommendation for a death sentence.
The judge then took a recess and will deliver a sentence at 4 p.m. today.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:21 PM EDT
Prosecutor Continues to Dispute Wade Wilson’s Brain Injury
The prosecutor continued to question Wade Wilson's claim of brain injury.
"He has the ability to recount events when he wants to."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:19 PM EDT
Gardiner Shares Brutal Details
"This particular case screams for justice," Gardiner told the judge.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:19 PM EDT
Who Are Wade Wilson’s Victims Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz?
Wilson met Melton at a live-music bar and went home with her on Oct. 6, 2019. The next day, he strangled her to death in her Cape Coral home where her body was discovered.
Melton was remembered as a cat lover and great friend during the trial, according to News-Press. Her friend since high school, Stephanie Sailors, 41, testified that she and Melton lived in Colorado before moving to Cape Coral together and were servers at the same restaurant.
Ruiz was reported missing on Oct. 7. The bartender was walking to work at a nearby bar when Wilson approached her in a car he stole from Melton's home, asking for directions. Ruiz got in the car where Wilson strangled her and "ran her over until she looked like spaghetti," Wilson's dad said his son admitted during his testimony. Ruiz's body was found on October 10 in a field behind a Sam's Club.
Ruiz was the mother of two sons: Brandon Cuellar, 29, and Zane Romero, 19.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:17 PM EDT
Prosecutor Details Every Injury Victims’ Suffered
The prosecutor reminded the judge of the viciousness of the murders of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, within hours of each other back in October 2019.
"He silenced them."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:15 PM EDT
Quiet in Courtroom
Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner reflects on Wilson's murders of Diane Ruiz and Kristine Melton.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:14 PM EDT
Prosecutor Sums Up Case to Judge: ‘Power, Control and Violence’
The prosecutor took one last chance to remind the judge of Wade Wilson's murderous rampage.
"It was about power, control and violence that led to murder."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:11 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Shows No Emotion During Final Plea For His Life
Wade Wilson's attorney talked about all the supporters and petitions signed by thousands that are against the death penalty for the killer.
"Death is cruel."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:11 PM EDT
‘Either Sentence is a Terrible Sentence’
Wilson's attorney, Kevin Shirley, is commenting on the potential sentencing.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:09 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Lawyer Makes One Final Plea to Spare His Life
Wade Wilson's lawyer made one last plea to the judge to spare his life.
The defense is asking for medical treatment and medications he needs.
He is reminding the judge of Wilson's trouble younger years and the love of his adopted family.
"He is a loving son to his adoptive parents."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:06 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Lawyers Deliver Final Statement
Wade Wilson's attorney addressed the judge one final time before sentencing.
"You are going to render the decision you think is just."
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:06 PM EDT
Wilson Enters Courtroom
Wade Wilson has returned to the courthouse, and the second phase of the Spencer hearing has started.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 02:04 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Death Penalty Sentencing Hearing Begins
Wade Wilson's death penalty sentencing hearing is underway as the courtroom is more crowded with spectators than earlier this morning during his Spencer hearing.
Wilson's parents are in attendance to hear their son's fate.
Aug 27, 2024 at 02:00 PM EDT
HAPPENING NOW: Cape Coral Killing Spree Murder Trial — FL v. Wade Wilson
The Spencer hearing concluded at 2 p.m., with sentencing scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.
Aug 27, 2024 at 01:57 PM EDT
Victims’ Family and Friends Present in Courtroom
Wilson's sentencing is just moments away.
Aug 27, 2024 at 01:49 PM EDT
Letters of Support
Wilson's parents are not the only ones sending letters of support.
A letter dated June 28 from Heidi Cox, whose return address is listed in California, asked the judge to sentence Wilson to life in prison without parole rather than the death penalty.
"As someone who cares unconditionally for Wade, I have deeply reflected on the gravity of the situation and the impact of your decision. While I understand the severity of the crime committed, I believe that a life sentence would allow Wade the opportunity to reflect, repent, and contribute positively within the confines of prison," Cox wrote in the letter.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 01:39 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Jail Inbox Flooded With 3,900 Messages From Women and Fans
The Lee County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Newsweek Wilson has received 3,903 messages since June 12 – the day he was found guilty of the murders.
Inmates can receive inquiries through a monitored messaging account, and Wilson has also received 65 letters in the mail.
The office reports Wilson has accepted 279 connection requests and has also been sent 754 photos – 163 of which were rejected due to "their inappropriate nature."
Rumors are circulating online that protesters will be waiting for Wilson.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
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Aug 27, 2024 at 01:31 PM EDT
30 Minutes Until Sentencing: Life or Death
Wade Wilson will either be sentenced to death or life in prison at 2 p.m. for the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.
Aug 27, 2024 at 01:13 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s ‘Troubled’ Early Years: The Making of A Convicted Killer
Speaking to former classmates of Wade Wilson, the tattoo-covered Florida man facing the death penalty for brutally murdering two women, one word was constantly used to describe his early years: "troubled."
Read more from Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 01:05 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Sits Emotionless As Emotional Letter Read From His Parents
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Sitting in his orange jumpsuit and ankle shackles, Wilson showed no emotion as the heartfelt letter from his parents was read.
His parents claimed that the system had failed Wilson.
"They put a tiny band aid on it, and then sent him back into the world without a diagnosis, medication and without follow-up care," the parents wrote. "We tried to hold pieces together but had no idea how to find the support Wade needed to be the person he was inside."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:57 PM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Parents: Taking Their Son’s Life ‘Only Adds to the Tragedy’
Wilson showed no emotion as the heartfelt letter from his parents was read during the morning Spencer hearing.
His parents said taking another life "only adds to the tragedy" and "will not bring back those two beautiful women."
Read more from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:47 PM EDT
What is a Spencer hearing?
Convicted Florida murderer Wade Wilson will have a Spencer hearing on Tuesday just five hours before he is either sentenced to death or life in prison.
Wilson's Spencer hearing, where he can address the judge if he chooses, is at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by his sentencing at 2 p.m. The 30-year-old was convicted of killing Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, within hours of each other in October 2019.
The goal of a Spencer hearing is to ensure that the evidence is not prejudicial to the defendant and meets legal standards for relevance and fairness. The hearing helps protect the defendant's right to a fair trial by scrutinizing evidence that might unduly influence the jury.
After the letter was read, Wilson was given an opportunity to speak at the hearing. He declined but hinted that he may speak at the sentencing.
"Later, when I come back, but not right now. Thank you," Wilson said.
Read more from Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:39 PM EDT
Wade Wilson Parents’ Heartbreaking Plea for their son’s life: ‘Cancer of severe mental illness and addiction won’
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Wilson showed no emotion as the heartfelt letter from his parents was read.
"Wade was a joyful child, loved his parents and sisters and was loved immensely in return," the parents wrote. "But over the teen years, and then especially in the early years of adulthood, Wade began to slip away from us, becoming withdrawn, erratic and depressed at first. Then his addiction was added to mental illness and [he] became, frankly, paranoid and delusional and a sense of loss became increasingly sharp."
The parents claimed that the system had failed Wilson.
"They put a tiny band aid on it, and then sent him back into the world without a diagnosis, medication and without follow-up care," the parents wrote. "We tried to hold pieces together but had no idea how to find the support Wade needed to be the person he was inside."
On the day of the murders, the parents said they "lost the last piece" of their son.
"In those tragic moments when the cancer of severe mental illness and addiction won, we lost our son, grandson, brother, nephew and uncle," the family wrote.
Read more from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel.
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:30 PM EDT
Courthouse Cafeteria Specials
The Courthouse cafeteria is serving up specials including "The Electric Chair" and "The Appeal."
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:24 PM EDT
Wilson Jail Calls Released
A collection of Wilson's jail calls has been released ahead of his sentencing.
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:20 PM EDT
Wade Wilson is First Florida Killer to Face Death Since DeSantis Law Change
Wade Wilson, the Florida man who could be sentenced to death on Tuesday, is the first convicted killer in the state to face death after Gov. Ron DeSantis' controversial law change.
DeSantis signed a law in April 2023 reducing the requirement for jurors to recommend a death sentence from a unanimous decision to an 8-4 vote in favor. Experts argue that this change has turned capital resentencing and trials into a "quintessential game of chance" for those facing the death penalty.
Wilson, 30, killed Kristine Meton and Diane Ruiz within hours of each other in October 2019.
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
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Aug 27, 2024 at 12:15 PM EDT
Key Takeaways from Spencer Hearing
Dr. Rubino vs. Dr. Coyne
Dr. Mark Rubino reports that Wade Wilson experiences cognitive and emotional dysfunction, acting impulsively and without consideration. He exhibits reduced thinking ability and is less likely to adjust his behavior.
He attributed this behavior to atrophy of the frontal lobe.
Dr. Thomas Coyne, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Lee County, examined Wilson's brain and found no atrophy, contradicting Dr. Mark Rubino's findings.
Dr. Coyne suggested Wilson may have suffered from hypoxia due to drug use rather than brain trauma, as the brain scans do not align with typical head trauma findings.
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The Wilson's Letter
The adoptive parents of convicted killer Wilson pleaded with the court to spare him from the death sentence, stating that they "still love him."
"Despite everything, Wade is still our son and we love him," Wilson's parents wrote in a letter read that was read at a Spender hearing on Tuesday. "The hopes and dreams of his life are already lost, but the human is still in there somewhere, tortured beyond what most of us can even imagine."
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Wade Wilson Speaking Out
Wade Wilson spoke after Judge Thompson asked if he would like to address the court.
"Not today. Later, when I come back, but not right now. Thank you," Wilson, shackled at his wrists and ankles, said.
Wilson will either be sentenced to death or life in prison at 2 p.m. for the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.
Aug 27, 2024 at 12:01 PM EDT
Spencer Hearing Concludes
The Spencer hearing concluded.
Wilson will either be sentenced to death or life in prison at 2 p.m. for the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:53 AM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Parents Make Emotional Plea in Letter: ‘We Still Love Him’
The adoptive parents of convicted killer Wade Wilson pleaded with the court to spare him from the death sentence on Tuesday, declaring that they "still love him."
Wilson is facing capital punishment in Florida for the 2019 killings of 35-year-old Kristine Melton and 43-year-old Diane Ruiz. He was convicted of murder on June 12, when the jury recommended he be sentenced to death.
"Despite everything, Wade is still our son and we love him," Wilson's parents wrote in a letter read that was read at a Spender hearing on Tuesday. "The hopes and dreams of his life are already lost, but the human is still in there somewhere, tortured beyond what most of us can even imagine."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Jenna Sundel
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Aug 27, 2024 at 11:48 AM EDT
A Glimpse Inside the Courtroom
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Aug 27, 2024 at 11:45 AM EDT
No Atrophy Detected
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:39 AM EDT
No Brain Trauma
Dr. Coyne suggests Wilson may have suffered from hypoxia due to drug use rather than brain trauma, as the brain scans do not align with typical head trauma findings.
Hypoxia is a condition where there is a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues and organs in the body. It can occur due to various reasons, including respiratory or circulatory issues, and can lead to cell damage or organ dysfunction if severe or prolonged.
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:35 AM EDT
Dr. Coyne Discusses Wilson’s Brain
Dr. Coyne remains on the stand at the Spencer hearing, stating that the nerve fiber tracks, hippocampus and amygdala are normal, with no trauma-related changes.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 11:26 AM EDT
Who is Melissa ‘Mila’ Montanez?
Fort Myers police officers responded to a call from Wilson's former girlfriend Melissa 'Mila' Montanez who claimed Wilson attacked her in the parking lot of her business, Mila Spa.
Montanez told police Wilson had taken her car from a bar the night before and left her stranded at the establishment and she simply wanted it back.
Wilson arrived at Mila Spa in a black Nissan Versa he had stolen from Kristine Melton after he met her at the bar the night before, went home with her, and then strangled her to death in her bed.
Shortly after Wilson left Montanez, he saw Diane Ruiz walking down the street and stopped to ask her for directions. Ruiz got into the car where Wilson strangled her and then ran her over "until she looked like spaghetti."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
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Aug 27, 2024 at 11:20 AM EDT
Dr. Coyne Examines Wilson’s Brain
Dr. Thomas Coyne, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in Lee County, is examining Wilson's brain and indicates no atrophy.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 11:19 AM EDT
How Melissa Montanez Was Impacted by Her Ex Wade Wilson
A shirtless Wade Wilson drove away from a police officer who detained him in wild body cam footage taken on the same day the Florida man brutally killed two women.
Wilson, 30, will be sentenced to either death or life in prison on August 27 for the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, within hours of each other on October 7, 2019.
In police body cam footage from October 7, 2019, obtained by Newsweek, Fort Myers police officers responded to a call from Wilson's former girlfriend Melissa Montanez who claimed Wilson attacked her in the parking lot of her business, Mila Spa. Montanez told police Wilson had taken her car from a bar the night before and left her stranded at the establishment and she simply wanted it back.
Read more by Newsweek's Erin Keller
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:15 AM EDT
Melissa ‘Mila’ Montanez Leaves the Courtroom
Montanez hugs her friend before leaving the Spencer hearing but is expected to return later this afternoon.
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:12 AM EDT
Friends Standing Together
Rugar's friend Sabrina is also friends with Wilson's ex-girlfriend, Melissa 'Mila' Montanez
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:08 AM EDT
Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence
Dawn Rugar wore purple in court to raise awareness of domestic violence and support survivors.
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:03 AM EDT
Wilson To Speak In Court
Wilson is contemplating addressing the court during his sentencing later this afternoon.
Aug 27, 2024 at 11:01 AM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Parents Make Emotional Plea in Letter to Judge
Wade Wilson's parents made an emotional plea in a letter to the judge who will decide if he gets life in prison or death.
"We still love him," the letter read in court said.
Aug 27, 2024 at 10:59 AM EDT
‘The System Failed Him’
A letter from Wilson's parents was read, revealing that they are also suffering.
Candy and Steve Wilson argue that the system failed him, and believe there is still humanity in him, urging that he be spared from death.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:59 AM EDT
Wade Wilson breaks silence
When the judge asked Wade Wilson if he wanted to address the court after the defense rested during his Spencer hearing, the killer responded with a slight grin, "Not now. Later, when i come back, but not right now. Thank you."
Aug 27, 2024 at 10:50 AM EDT
Wade Wilson’s Racist Tattoos: Expert Weighs in on What They Mean
Convicted Florida murderer Wade Wilson has become even more notorious for his intimidating appearance thanks to the racist tattoos covering a majority of his face, neck, and hands.
Court documents claim Wilson could be associated with the white supremacist prison gang The Unforgiven, but Anti-Defamation League Research Fellow Christopher Magyarics tells Newsweek that none of Wilson's tattoos visible to him indicate a connection to that gang.
However, Magyarics says Wilson has a few tattoos on his head and neck that are "blatantly white supremacist."
READ MORE from Newsweek's Erin Keller
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:42 AM EDT
Wilson Reacts to Murder Charges
Wilson's reaction when the charges of strangling and murdering Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019 are briefly discussed before court recess.
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:32 AM EDT
Wilson’s Not Totally ‘Out to Lunch.’
Dr. Rubino restates that Wilson shows cognitive and emotional dysfunction, acting impulsively with reduced thinking ability due to brain atrophy, but he's not completely out of touch.
Aug 27, 2024 at 10:26 AM EDT
Dr. Rubino Backpedaling
"I met him [Wade Wilson] last week, how am I supposed to know what he did in 2019," Dr. Rubino said to Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner.
Aug 27, 2024 at 10:24 AM EDT
Dr. Rubino Gets Passionate Under Prosecution’s Questioning
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:19 AM EDT
Wilson Taps Foot in Court While Shackled
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:14 AM EDT
No Medical Records
Dr. Rubino has not reviewed any medical records related to Wilson's car accidents, baseball concussion or their timing, raising questions.
Aug 27, 2024 at 10:11 AM EDT
Wade Wilson’s ‘Troubled’ Early Years: The Making of A Convicted Killer
Speaking to former classmates of Wade Wilson, the tattoo-covered Florida man facing the death penalty for brutally murdering two women, one word was constantly used to describe his early years: "troubled."
A woman who claims she attended Deerlake Middle School and Chiles High School with Wilson wanted to remain anonymous in Newsweek's reporting. She had the same group of friends as Wilson in middle school, and they sat together for lunch.
"Nobody would eat. They would just pass drugs around, which was so weird to me," she said, claiming she once dated one of Wilson's close friends, who was also "wasn't a very good kid either."
"He [Wilson] would always wear this black hoodie with his hood over his head, and [her former boyfriend] did the same thing," she remembered of high school. "They always looked so eerie together – just like at 6:30 in the morning, the sun hasn't come up yet – You just see them on the side of a building, and I'm like 'Oh, wait, those are my friends.'"
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Aug 27, 2024 at 10:08 AM EDT
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Wilson Exhibits Cognitive and Emotional Dysfunction
Dr. Rubino reports that Wilson experiences cognitive and emotional dysfunction, acting impulsively and without consideration. He exhibits reduced thinking ability and is less likely to adjust his behavior.
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