Wade Wilson’s ultimate fate rests with Judge Nick Thompson, who will decide on July 23 whether Wilson will face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
The jury has recommended the death penalty for Wade Wilson, convicted of the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.
For Melton’s case, nine out of twelve jurors voted for the death penalty. In Ruiz’s case, ten out of twelve jurors agreed on the same punishment. The jurors reached their decision in less than two hours. A law passed in 2023 allows a death penalty recommendation if at least eight jurors concur.
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Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller expressed relief at the recommendation. “It’s always difficult to ask for someone’s life, but given the horrific nature of this case, it was justified,” she said. Miller emphasized that this recommendation represents justice not only for the victims but also for other women harmed by Wilson who may not have seen justice served.
However, Wilson’s ultimate fate rests with Judge Nick Thompson, who will decide on July 23 whether Wilson will face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Before this, a Spencer hearing will take place, allowing the judge to consider more about Wilson’s background and other legal matters.
Before making their recommendation, the jury heard from the families of Melton and Ruiz, as well as medical professionals and final arguments from both sides. Miller highlighted the brutality of the murders, describing them as “heinous, atrocious, and cruel.” She presented evidence, including a blood-stained curtain rod, to underscore the gravity of the jury’s decision. Miller argued that Wilson’s actions were driven by power, lust, control, and hate, not mental illness, despite his history of drug addiction.
Defense attorney Kevin Shirley urged jurors to consider Wade Wilson’s mental state, describing him as mentally ill. He read a letter from Wilson’s adoptive sister, highlighting Wilson’s struggles with addiction and his diseased mind.
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Ultimately, the decision now lies in the hands of Judge Thompson, who will weigh the jury’s recommendation and the additional information presented during the Spencer hearing.