Florida
Who is the Deadpool Killer? Wade Wilson sentenced to death for ‘atrocious and cruel’ murders of 2 Florida women
Wade Wilson, known as the Deadpool Killer, was sentenced to death on Tuesday, August 27, for brutally murdering two Florida women “for the sake of killing.” The 30-year-old tattooed killer, of Fort Myers, appeared stoic as Lee Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced him to death.
“The evidence shows the murders were heinous, atrocious and cruel. and that the second murder was cold, calculated and premeditated,” Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson told the courtroom, according to New York Post.
Back in June, Wilson was found guilty of killing Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, during an October night in 2019. The jury had recommended that he should be awarded the death penalty.
Who is Wade Wilson?
Wilson shares a name with the Marvel anti-hero that Ryan Reynolds made famous. On the fateful night, he first strangled Melton in her home after a drug-fueled sexual encounter with her, according to prosecutors. He then stole Melton’s car and called his girlfriend, 41-year-old Melissa Montanez, using the victim’s phone. He later went on to assault her, but she refused to enter the car.
Wilson then came across Ruiz, who was asking for directions in Cape Coral. He invited Ruiz into the car, and strangled her and threw her out of the vehicle. He later returned and ran Ruiz over “until she looked like spaghetti,” according to testimony from the trial.
“This case was about killing for the sake of the killing,” Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner previously told the court. “Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someone’s hands.”
During Wilson’s five years in prison, he received thousands of X-rated photos and love letters. This bizarre trend isn’t uncommon, as notorious serial killers Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and Richard Ramirez were among violent people who received such attention while in prison.
In Wilson’s case, the judge received several letters urging him to look past Wilson’s inked face because, as many believed, he was a different person while on medication. Wilson’s attorneys claimed that he suffered brain damage from drug addiction and even had abandonment issues as his biological parents had given him up for adoption.
The killer’s adoptive parents urged the court not to give him the death penalty. In a letter, the parents stated that “the human is still in there.” “Please see it in your heart not take our son,” they wrote.
Additionally, Wilson was found guilty of grand theft, burglary of a dwelling, battery and petit theft.
Melton’s cousin, who asked to be identified as Samantha Kelly, reportedly said that the time between the deaths and the sentencing felt like “five years of agony.” Ruiz’s father, Felix Ruiz, said he would want to be present at Wilson’s execution. “I didn’t get to say I love her,” Felix said, according to The News-Press. “I miss her.”
On Saturday the United States of America will be celebrating its 250th birthday, and the milestone will be celebrated all over the South Florida area.
If you don’t know where to watch the fireworks this 4th of July, here are a few places to check out.
1.) Bayfront Park
From 1 p.m. to midnight live music, fireworks and of course FIFA World Cup viewing will be hosted at Bayfront Park. According to Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, this free event will also have food and drinks for the entire family to enjoy. Admission does require an RSVP found with this link. The event is located at 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
2.) Tropical Park
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department will be hosting their annual Fourth of July Celebration. The free event will be taking place from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include live music, food and a Carnival Cruise Line Fun Zone for kids. The event will be hosted at 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33155.
3.) Lummus Park
Are you a fan of classical music? This Fourth of July Lummus Park will be the venue for the Independence Day Fireworks & Patriotic Concert. The evening will begin at 8:30 p.m. with an orchestra performance by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival.
A fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and picnic supplies. The celebration will take place at 12th Street and Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139.
4.) Altos Del Mar Park
Starting at 5 p.m. families can dance to live music as a Fourth of July celebration kicks off at Altos Del Mar Park.
Near the Miami Beach Bandshell at 7275 Collins Avenue there will be a free outdoor roller disco from 5 to 9 p.m.
At 9 p.m. the night will end with a drone and firework show. The event is located at 7601 Atlantic Way, Miami Beach, FL 33141.
5.) Palmer Park
If you are in the South Miami area, Palmer Park will be hosting a Fourth of July Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be live music, food, local vendors and of course fireworks!
The address for the park is 6100 SW 67th Avenue.
6.) Risco Park
Fireworks, live music and family activities will be hosted at Risco Park for Independence Day. Hosted by the City of Miami Gardens, the 4th of July & The Juneteenth Experience Park-In & Party will intertwine both holiday themes in a community gathering focused on “freedom, inclusion and family.”
The event will include a DJ, performances by local talent, food trucks, raffles and more. The party will end with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. If you are interested in attending, the address is 19000 NW 37th Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33056.
7.) Las Olas Oceanside Park and Fort Lauderdale Beach
The city of Fort Lauderdale is throwing a free 4th of July event hosted by Grammy-nominated country singer Walker Hayes.
Hayes will be performing at 7:30 p.m. and the event will also feature a kids zone, beach games, contests and more.
At sunset, attendees can expect a drone show over the beach at 8:45 p.m. Then at 9 p.m. a fireworks display will begin.
Find the event at 3000 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.
8.) Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
Located at the historic Biltmore Hotel, local residents and enjoy this Fourth of July Celebration. The event starts at 5 p.m., following a Greater Miami Symphonic Band Concert at 7 p.m. and then a drone and fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event will be located at 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
9.) Milander Park, Hialeah
This event will feature a 30-minute firework and laser display. There will be local food trucks, and the festivities are expected to bring together over 20,000 attendees. The award-winning celebration will take place at 4800 Palm Ave. Hialeah, FL 33012.
10.) Homestead Miami Speedway
On Saturday evening residents can gather at the speedway for a night full of fireworks, live music and an interactive fan zone. Admission and parking are free. According to Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, attendees are encouraged to arrive early before the evening finale with fireworks.
It will be held at One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd Homestead, FL 33035.
A 78-year-old Port St. Lucie woman died June 28 after being knocked down in a residential driveway by a parked SUV.
The incident happened 10:47 a.m. June 28 in the 100 block of SE El Sito Court in Port St. Lucie.
The woman was standing outside a 2016 Lincoln MKX SUV, between the open driver’s door and the left side of the vehicle, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report. When the woman’s son, 59, started the vehicle from where he was sitting in the right front seat, the vehicle rolled backward. The woman was knocked to the ground by the open driver’s door.
The woman was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where she was pronounced dead at 11:19 a.m.
The son started the engine by reaching over the center consol with his left hand to depress the brake pedal and press the start button with his right hand. It is unknown why the car rolled backwards.
The traffic homicide investigation is continuing.
Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.
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