Wade Wilson

Wade Wilson, a Fort Myers man who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of two Cape Coral women in 2019, was sentenced to death Tuesday afternoon.

The decision was read in a Fort Myers courtroom at 4:30 p.m. The sentencing follows a June 26 recommendation for the death penalty from the jury, which found Wilson guilty in the murders of Cape Coral women Kristine Melton, 45, and Diane Ruiz, 43.

Wilson was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder by the same jury on June 12.

Judge Nick Thompson, in reading a portion of the sentencing order, said the court makes a reason judgment based on the totality of the circumstances.

“In reaching the decision, the court is mindful that because death is a unique punishment in its finality, its application is reserved only for those cases where the most aggravating and least mitigating circumstances exist,” Thompson said. “The law never requires the imposition of a death sentence.”

“The evidence showed that both murders were heinous, atrocious, and cruel,” he continued. “And that the second murder (Ruiz) was cold, calculated, and premeditated.”

Previously, the jury voted 9-3 for the death penalty in the murder of Melton, and 10-2 in the murder of Ruiz.

“Having reviewed all of the aggravating factors proven without a reasonable doubt, and all of the mitigating circumstances reasonably established by the evidence, the court finds that the aggravating factors greatly outweigh mitigating circumstances,” Thompson said. “Given the facts of the case, nothing in the defendant’s background or mental state would suggest a death sentence is inappropriate. This court’s review of other reported capital cases has led the court to conclude that the death penalty is not disproportionate in this case. Under the totality of the circumstances and evidence, the court finds no basis to override the jury’s verdict. The totality of the circumstances warrants that the defendant, Wade Stephen Wilson, be sentenced to death for each count of first-degree murder.”

Wilson also was convicted of grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery, burglary of a dwelling and first-degree petit theft.

The Cape Coral Police Department and the Fort Myers Police Department investigated the crimes which led to the identification and arrest of the defendant.

“I want to thank the Cape Coral Police Department for their incredible investigation and gathering the evidence needed for trial,” said State Attorney Amira Fox in a statement. “I would also like to thank the jury for their focus during both the guilt phase and penalty phase of this case. I realize that recommending life or death, is the ultimate request we can ask of a juror. The jury’s attention during this trial, even during the difficult testimony and photographs detailing the crime scenes, are to be commended.”

Wilson was also sentenced to five years in prison for grand theft, 364 days in jail for battery, 15 years for burglary of a dwelling, and 364 days for petty theft.

In a message via social media, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore said: “As the Police Chief of the Cape Coral Police Department, I represent the men and women who work tirelessly for our community. But when it comes to major events like these horrific crimes and subsequent criminal trials, I also represent the Cape Coral community as a whole. I’ll advocate for them on matters of public safety and criminal justice. And with that, first, I am grateful for the jury; for their dedication, attentiveness, and ultimately their verdict in the trial. I’m grateful for Judge Thompson, who imposed the proper penalty in this case. I’m proud to work with our State Attorney, Amira Fox, and her team of passionate, competent, professional prosecutors. And I’m honored to say that I work alongside the most dedicated, compassionate, and talented men and women of CCPD. People whose life’s work makes these outcomes possible. Lastly, and most importantly, to the families of Ms. Ruiz and Ms. Melton: I pray that today’s outcome can close this chapter so that you may turn the page and begin a long journey that ultimately leads to peace.”

Melton was found dead in her home on Oct. 7, 2019, the same day Ruiz was reported missing. On Oct. 12, 2019, Ruiz’s body was found in the area of Northwest 4th Avenue and Northwest 1st Street in Cape Coral.

According to the State Attorney’s Office, Melton was strangled to death by Wilson who attacked her as she slept in her bed. He then stole her car from her Cape Coral home and went to see his girlfriend and attacked her. She immediately contacted law enforcement.

Details from the SAO stated a short time later, Wilson saw Ruiz walking along a street in Cape Coral. He pulled over and lured her into the car as he asked for directions. He then beat and strangled her, eventually pushing her out of the car, and repeatedly ran her over.

“The defendant will pay the ultimate price, the highest penalty the criminal justice system has, because of the unthinkable things he did to these two victims,” Fox said. “It has not gone unnoticed that this defendant is being idolized by some people who are somehow proud to mix their names 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 that there could ever be. His victims physically suffered tremendously, due to his decision to kill, due to his horrific actions. They fought back, they fought for their lives. This defendant is no idol. It is disgraceful and pitiful to hold him up as such. This defendant is now nothing more than a number in the Florida Department of Corrections, awaiting death.”

Assistant State Attorneys Sara Miller and Andreas Gardiner, both of the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit, prosecuted the case.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comment from the Cape Coral Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office.