Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
New York Post
Man with swastika face tattoos found guilty of brutal strangling of two Florida women just hours apart
By Isabel Keane,
2024-06-13
A crazed Florida man with swastikas and a skeleton smile tattooed on his face has been convicted of murdering two women just hours apart — including a mom he repeatedly ran over and bragged about leaving “like spaghetti” on the road.
Wade Wilson, 30, remained motionless Wednesday as he was convicted of two counts of first-degree premeditated murder in the killings of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, in October 2019.
It took the Cape Coral jury just two hours to reach the verdict, which leaves him eligible for the death penalty.
Florida man Wade Wilson was convicted of murdering two women just hours apart. Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK Wilson is eligible to receive the death penalty. Tomas Rodriguez/ The News-Press / USA TODAY NETWORK
“An animal like this needs to be put away,” Police Chief Anthony Sizemore told Fox 4 , adding he was “relieved that the jury did the right thing.”
Even one of Wilson’s own attorneys did not hold back on the tattooed maniac, who had bragged during police interviews that he “would do it again.”
“None of this was not depraved,” Hollander told Fox 4, saying the defense had only argued that the crimes were not premeditated.
“I’m not arguing insanity, I’m just arguing that state’s claimed premeditation. And I’m saying he’s whacked out, he’s just out of his mind for any of this.”
Wilson killed Kristine Melton on Oct. 7, 2019, after taking her home from a bar. Cape Coral PD
Wilson strangled Diane Ruiz when she got in his car after he asked her for directions. Cape Coral PD
Wilson took Melton home from a bar on Oct. 7, 2019, then strangled her and left her tied up in her home.
Ruiz was reported missing the same day — and Wilson told his dad that she got into his car when he asked for directions.
He then admitted strangling her, too, before throwing her out of the car — just to get back in and run her her over “until she looked like spaghetti,” jurors were told.
“I choked her out until she couldn’t breathe anymore,” Wilson had told cops of one of the murders. “I came across my mind to murder, just kill, kill, kill.”
Wilson’s body is covered in tattoos — including a swastika on his face. Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK
“This case was about killing for the sake of the killing,” Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner had told the court. “Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someone’s hands.”
Wilson was also found guilty of grand theft, burglary of a dwelling, battery and petit theft. He was seen with tattoos still clearly visible on his face, despite being granted permission to cover them as well as get a haircut and new suit to look presentable for jurors.
The state is seeking the death penalty but will first have Wilson examined by doctors. The penalty phase starts on June 20, and eight out of 12 jurors will have to vote in favor of the death penalty.
“This is a man with no respect for women and no respect for human life,” Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller had told jurors during closing arguments.
For top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0