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.”
Florida
Central Florida feels record-breaking quake
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Florida
Florida man accused of shooting cat in eye with BB gun, killing it
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was arrested after Brevard County deputies said he shot a cat in the eye with a BB gun, killing it.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the man, who was identified as Lucas Stedman, was upset because a cat that lived in the same home didn’t get along with his cat.
“On May 11, he decided that it would be a good idea to shoot a cat in the eye with a high-powered BB gun and kill the cat,” Ivey said. “I don’t know what kind of outrageous nutjob thinks that’s a good idea.”
Steadman was taken to the Brevard County Jail.
He was charged with animal cruelty and was placed on a $50,000 bond.
Florida
Dry days numbered as summer storm chances return to Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. – After a beautiful weekend and dry start to our week, Central Florida is set to see a gradual return to a more typical summertime pattern as moisture increases.
Monday will remain largely dry thanks to high pressure parked over the region. Easterly winds of 10 to 15 mph will continue to bring an onshore breeze, while dry air throughout much of the atmosphere keeps rain chances near zero. A few isolated coastal sprinkles can’t be completely ruled out, but most communities will stay rain-free, with rain chances at 10% or less.
Despite increasing cloud cover, especially across northern portions of the area, temperatures will climb into the upper 80s along the coast and the low to mid-90s inland. Overnight lows will settle into the low to mid-70s.
The weather pattern begins to shift on Tuesday and Wednesday as the atmospheric blocking pattern over the eastern United States breaks down. This will allow moisture to gradually return from the Atlantic, bringing a 20% chance of afternoon showers and storms on Tuesday and increasing to 30% to 50% by Wednesday.
Like a typical Florida summer day, the highest rain and storm chances will occur during the afternoon and early evening hours as the east coast sea breeze develops and moves inland. Conditions should become mostly dry overnight, although a few showers or storms could linger over the nearby Atlantic waters.
Temperatures will remain close to seasonal averages through midweek, with highs reaching the upper 80s along the coast and low 90s inland. As humidity rises, some interior locations could experience heat index values near 100 degrees by Wednesday.
Looking ahead to Thursday through the weekend, moisture steadily increases as a broad area of low pressure develops over the Gulf. At this point, it does not appear likely that this low will become an organized tropical system. This will support scattered to numerous afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms each day, marking a return to a more active summer weather pattern.
While temperatures are expected to stay near or slightly above normal, increasing humidity will make it feel much hotter. Heat index values exceeding 100 degrees are possible late this week and into the weekend, especially across inland communities. Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day.
Beachgoers should also be aware that a moderate risk of rip currents continues at all Central Florida beaches today. Officials recommend swimming only near lifeguards and paying close attention to posted beach safety flags and warnings.
For boaters, generally favorable marine conditions are expected through the week, with seas of 2 to 3 feet and east to southeast winds around 10 to 15 knots. However, increasing moisture will lead to a growing chance for showers and thunderstorms over the local waters beginning Tuesday, particularly during the overnight and early morning hours.
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