More than four years ago, State Attorney Amira Fox in Florida’s 20th judicial circuit announced that her office was seeking the death penalty against Wade Wilson, now 30 years old. This week, Wilson was convicted.
According to the Fort Myers News-Press, Wilson was charged with the first-degree murder of Kristine Melton, 35, and the first-degree murder of Diane Ruiz, 43. He was also charged with grand theft of Melton’s car; the battery on Melissa Montanez, 41, the burglary of a dwelling belonging to Kent Amlin ll or Fannie Amlin and petty theft from Kent Amlin or Fanny Amlin.
Back in 2019, Fox explained that Wilson was indicted by a Lee County Grand jury for the murders of two women in Cape Coral, Fla. They were reported missing within days of each other.
“The first victim was found dead in her Cape Coral home on October 7th. The second victim was found dead in a field in Cape Coral on October 10th after being reported missing,” said a press release. “The Cape Coral Police Department investigated the homicides.”
Attached was a photo of his face, apparently free of tattoos. Photos from the courtroom this week show several tattoos on his face, including a small swastika under his eye and stylized stiches leading away from his mouth.
In the courtroom this week, Wilson “sat emotionless,” while his conviction was read, according to the News-Press. It also said the “victims’ families hugged, cried and sighed.”
Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller said Wilson’s “biggest concern” when he was apprehended “was to get a hamburger and fries in order to speak with authorities at the Lee County Jail,” per the outlet. After the murders of Melton and Ruiz and the assault on Montez, he allegedly headed to Joe’ Crab Shack, where police confronted him.
“Wilson then drove to Matteo Graphics, 2309 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., where he walked in shirtless, covered in blood and sought help from Josh Lukitsch, 39, the business owner and Wilson's acquaintance, saying he needed to leave town because he killed someone,” said the News-Press. Then, he allegedly broke into the Amlin home.
Charges against Wilson could include the death penalty as punishment.
The jury for the case will reconvene next Thursday to consider penalties.