A Florida man with Nazi face tattoos, Wade Wilson, 30, has been sentenced to death for the brutal murders of two women in 2019.
The court heard how Wilson strangled the women within hours of each other and inflicted horrific injuries.
The murders took place in Cape Coral on October 7, 2019. Kristine 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.
A short time later, the defendant saw Diane 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.
Wilson remained emotionless as the sentence was read, while the courtroom erupted in cheers and claps.
The jury recommended the death penalty for both murders, citing aggravating factors such as the heinous nature of the crimes and Wilson’s prior criminal record.
Read: Florida Supreme Court Rejects Death Row Inmate’s Appeal, Execution Likely To Proceed
The defense argued for life sentences, citing Wilson’s mental health issues and drug use.
Ultimately, the judge upheld the jury’s recommendation, stating that nothing in Wilson’s background mitigated the severity of his crimes.
Wilson’s adoptive parents and others had pleaded for leniency, highlighting his history of mental health struggles and substance abuse.
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