Florida's 'Deadpool Killer,' Wade Wilson, Subject of Netflix True Crime Series

Key facts

• Wade Wilson was convicted of murdering Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz in 2019.
• Wilson was sentenced to death in August 2024.
• His case is featured in the "Dating the Deadpool Killer" episode of Netflix's "Worst Ex Ever" Season 2, released May 6, 2026.
• He was dubbed the 'Deadpool Killer' due to sharing his name with the Marvel Comics character.
• Wilson's biological father, Steven Testasecca, played a role in his capture.
• As of May 2026, Wilson is on death row in Florida and appealing his sentence.

A Facade of Love Conceals Brutal Violence

The second season of the true crime docuseries "Worst Ex Ever" delves into relationships that spiral into terror, showcasing how seemingly loving partners can harbor a dark, violent side. The show, which premiered on Netflix on May 6, 2026, features four new episodes, each examining harrowing tales of deceit and abuse. Among these is the story of Wade Wilson, a man whose life and crimes have drawn chilling comparisons to a popular Marvel superhero. This season utilizes a mix of survivor testimonies, animated reenactments, body camera footage, and police interviews to bring these disturbing narratives to life. "Worst Ex Ever" aims to expose the monstrous aspects of relationships, highlighting the devastating consequences when affection is used as a mask for violence and betrayal. The inclusion of Wilson's case, dubbed "Dating the Deadpool Killer," underscores the series' focus on the most extreme examples of domestic terror. Executive producer Jason Blum and director Cynthia Childs return for this season, bringing their expertise in crafting compelling narratives from real-life horrors. The series offers a stark reminder that the line between love and danger can be perilously thin, and that sometimes, the most terrifying stories are not fiction, but fact.

The 'Deadpool Killer's' Path to Florida's Death Row

Wade Steven Wilson, born May 20, 1994, is a convicted double murderer from Florida whose case gained significant notoriety. His face, adorned with tattoos including a Joker-like stitched mouth and Nazi imagery, along with a reportedly "smug" courtroom demeanor, contributed to his infamy. The media quickly latched onto his name, linking him to the Marvel character Deadpool, and dubbing him the 'Deadpool Killer.' On October 7, 2019, Wilson embarked on a violent spree in Southwest Florida. He first murdered Kristine Melton, 35, whom he had met at a bar, by strangling her as she slept. Later that same day, he stole Melton's car and lured Diane Ruiz, 43, a mother of two and a bartender, into the vehicle. He then strangled Ruiz and, in a detail that shocked observers, admitted to driving over her body multiple times. Wilson's crimes were described by prosecutors as "heinous, atrocious, and cruel," a stark contrast to the heroic persona of his Marvel namesake. His reign of terror concluded with his arrest, during which he chillingly told detectives he would "do it again."

A History of Violence and Legal Battles

Long before the murders that landed him on death row, Wade Wilson exhibited a pattern of violent behavior. His history includes multiple accusations of battering and, in at least two instances, sexually assaulting women with whom he had relationships. While he was acquitted in one sexual battery and kidnapping case from 2015, authorities chose not to pursue charges in another. Wilson's criminal record in Leon County dates back to 2012, with prior incarcerations for burglary, grand theft, and firearms theft. These earlier offenses paint a picture of escalating criminal activity that preceded the brutal murders he committed. His biological father, Steven Testasecca, who was a teenager when Wilson was born and gave him up for adoption, played a crucial role in his capture by contacting the police. Following his arrest for the 2019 murders, Wilson's actions continued to shock. After killing Kristine Melton, he went to the business of his then-girlfriend, Melissa "Mila" Montanez, assaulted her in the parking lot, and attempted to force her into Melton's stolen car. This pattern of aggression and disregard for others marked his interactions.

Sentencing and Ongoing Appeals

In August 2024, Wade Wilson was sentenced to death for the murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz. This sentencing was particularly significant as it was one of the first high-profile cases adjudicated under Florida's revised death penalty legislation enacted in 2023. This new law empowers a judge to impose a death sentence even if a jury's recommendation for life imprisonment is not unanimous. As of May 2026, Wilson remains on death row in Florida. His legal team is actively engaged in a high-stakes battle to overturn his execution. They have filed a direct appeal with the Florida Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of retroactively applying the state's new sentencing laws to his case. The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for the application of capital punishment in Florida, particularly concerning the retroactive application of sentencing reforms. The legal fight highlights the complex intersection of criminal justice, legislative changes, and the pursuit of finality in capital cases.

The 'Deadpool Killer' on Screen

The Netflix series "Worst Ex Ever" brings Wilson's story to a wider audience through its "Dating the Deadpool Killer" episode. Kelly Matthews, who was in a relationship with Wilson in 2018, initially believed him to be "the perfect man." However, her experience quickly devolved into a nightmare as his erratic behavior escalated into a violent rampage. Matthews's ordeal included Wilson pawning her laptop, seducing her close friend, and brutally attacking her as she attempted to help him enter rehabilitation. After he left her for another woman, Matthews discovered his real name was Wade Wilson and learned of his extensive criminal history, including violent assaults on other former partners. This discovery preceded the fatal attacks that ultimately led to his conviction. The series promises "gripping testimonials, startling bodycam footage, and vivid animated reenactments" to illustrate the harrowing events. It serves as a platform to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the devastating impact of unchecked violence, with Wilson's case serving as a prime example of a seemingly ordinary individual capable of extraordinary brutality.

The bottom line

• Wade Wilson, known as the 'Deadpool Killer,' was convicted of two murders in Florida in 2019.
• He received a death sentence in August 2024, a decision influenced by Florida's updated death penalty laws.
• Wilson's crimes and relationship history are the subject of the "Dating the Deadpool Killer" episode in Netflix's "Worst Ex Ever" Season 2.
• His case is currently under appeal, with his legal team challenging the retroactive application of new sentencing statutes.
• The 'Deadpool Killer' moniker stems from his shared name with the Marvel Comics character and his distinctive facial tattoos.
• Wilson has a documented history of violence and criminal offenses predating the murders for which he was convicted.