Wade Wilson sentenced to death: Family members clap, hug, sigh

Relatives of two Cape Coral women brutally murdered in 2019 hugged, sighed, cried and clapped after the judge presiding over the case sentenced the convicted killer to death.

After allotting himself more than an hour-and-a-half to review additional evidence presented by the defense, Lee Circuit Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced Wade Wilson, 30, of Fort Myers, to death in the brutal 2019 deaths of two Cape Coral women.

"Two beautiful and wonderful women with their whole lives ahead of them, and they were cherished and loved by family, friends and their community," said Amira Fox, State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, said after naming Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43.

The families of Melton and Ruiz said their silence throughout the process was key to the death sentence.

"We have all been really quiet because it was so important to the integrity of this case," Melton's cousin, who asked to be identified as Samantha Kelly, said during a press conference following Thompson's decision, later adding that, "We're done being quiet. So I will say that this will not be the last time Wade Wilson sees us in a courtroom."

She called the time between the deaths and the sentencing "five years of agony."

Diane Ruiz father: Decision 'is not the end'

Ruiz's father, Felix Ruiz, said he plans to be present at Wilson's execution, which could take years.

"I didn't get to say I love her," Felix Ruiz said. "I miss her."

Felix Ruiz said Tuesday's death penalty decision "is not the end."

"The end is his last breath, and I will be there at the execution," Felix Ruiz said.

A jury convicted Wilson on June 12 of their murders, and after weighing circumstances, they recommended the death penalty.

Wilson appeared to remain unemotional, occasionally leaning over to talk with his lawyer as the charges against him were again read. Thompson upheld the jury recommendation and sentenced him to death in each of the murder counts.

A morning Spencer hearing lasted 90 minutes. During that time, Thompson heard arguments from defense attorneys Lee Hollander and Kevin Shirley, as well as Assistant State Attorneys Sara Miller and Andreas Gardiner.

Thompson announced Wilson's fate around 4:30 p.m.

Judge considered last-minute motions in Wade Wilson case

Tuesday's court sessions began soon after 9 a.m. with Shirley saying he anticipated one witness during a Spencer hearing, in which the defense is allowed to present more evidence regarding the crime.

Dr. Mark Rubino, a neurologist, testified that he met with Wilson, who was shackled and behind glass for the neurological exam with two deputies watching, last week.

"He got paranoid they were watching him," Rubino said.

He found Wilson had unusual eye movements, which he related to brain damage.  When asked to draw a clock, Rubino said Wilson wrote "X" twice.

Rubino said he found signs that could relate to Parkinson’s disease, but also show Wilson received mental health treatment.

The physician said his findings suggested Wilson suffered head injuries stemming from two crashes where separate drivers hit trees.

Rubino said Wilson suffered one concussion playing football and another playing baseball. He said he ordered testing for Wilson after he found signs of brain damage.

The neurologist presented a PowerPoint with his findings, including images of Wilson’s brain. He said one of the brain's ventricles is bigger than the others, but did not conclude a hydrocephalus diagnosis. The Hydrocephalus Association defines the condition as a chronic, neurological ailment caused by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricles of the brain.

According to the website VeryWell Health, ventricles of the brain are cavities within the brain that produce and store cerebrospinal fluid. This liquid surrounds your brain and spinal cord, cushioning them and protecting them from trauma.

Rubino said Wilson's ventricles are small for his age, and he has some frontal lobe damage.

The neurologist said he drew two conclusions. Rubino ruled that cognitive and emotional disfunction caused worse behavior and less thinking. He also said he found evidence of a brain injury.

The cross examination began with questions from Gardiner, who has prosecuted the case with Miller.

As Gardiner began asking questions, Rubino told him, "You can’t fake (brain damage)." The physician then referenced the brutal slayings.

"The crime itself indicates he has some type of damage," Rubino said.

"You’re assuming a lot of things in this particular case. Are you not, doctor?" Gardiner asked Rubino.

Rubino said he suspected the head injuries are true, but he does not have paperwork to corroborates the incidents. He said Wilson has reduced brain mass.

“He’s been battling mental health for a long time,” Rubino said.

After a brief silence, Shirley approached the podium again and confirmed Wilson has head trauma he did not report to Rubino.

Rubino said he was aware Wilson consumed drugs the night before the murders and added that, combined with his brain injuries, they do not mix well.

The neurologist said a combination of Wilson's brain injuries and the drugs he consumed the night prior likely resulted in the murders.

Wade Wilson's adoptive parents ask to save his life

Shirley read in open court a letter Wilson's adoptive parents, Steve and Candy Wilson, penned.

“It’s been five years since this began,” the Wilsons wrote. “Wade was a joyful child. Loved his parents.”

The Wilsons said Wilson became delusional after his addiction began. They wrote that, "The human is still in there."

"Please see it in your heart not take our son," the Wilsons penned.

State calls medical expert

Dr. Thomas Coyne, a medical examiner neuropathologist, then took the stand on behalf of the state.

Coyne said he disagreed with Rubino’s findings and went through each point of Rubino's presentation. He did not provide his own presentation and confirmed he did not examine Wilson.

The neuropathologist continued his explanation, saying he saw no evidence of atrophy and reported a "normally structured adult brain."

Coyne said "it’s hard" to draw conclusions from a single assessment, referencing Rubino's meeting with Wilson last week. He said the brain damage is associated with drug use.

Counsel asks to save Wade Wilson's life

"When a judge takes the bench, we hope you don’t have to make a decision like this,” Shirley said. He asked that Thompson consider Wilson’s impairment level, later adding that, "We don’t know what kind of treatment that will be on death row. He does need treatment."

Shirley alluded to Wilson’s family history and how his biological mother suffered from addiction.

Shirley continued to fight for Wilson's life as he reminded Thompson that under the prior statute, which required a unanimous vote for the death penalty, Wilson would not have been eligible for the capital punishment.

Prosecution counters: 'the capital felony was heinous, atrocious and cruel'

Meanwhile, the prosecution supported the capital punishment.

“The capital felony was heinous, atrocious and cruel,” Gardiner said.

Gardiner said Wilson allowed Melton’s and Ruiz’s lives to slip through his fingers, adding that Wilson "overpowered and silenced them."

The prosecutor stressed that there was no history of a brain injury in Wilson.

"He has an ability to recount events he wants," Gardiner said.

Prosecutors, police chief weigh in

After the sentencing, Cape Coral police Chief Anthony Sizemore said "horrific crimes" as the murders of Melton and Ruiz lead him to represent the community.

"I pray that today's outcome can somehow close this particular chapter so that we can turn the page," he said.

Miller emphasized that moments such as Tuesday's ruling are meant for the victims and their families.

"Behind every true crime show, every crime podcast and every criminal trial is a real victim with family and friends that love them, and this case is no different," Miller said. "Behind this case were two families who had suffered great and unimaginable loss. No family ever imagines ending up in our office meeting with strangers hoping to find justice."

Gardiner added that "the decision to seek the death penalty is not one that's taken lightly."

"[It] takes a lot of thought and consideration," Gardiner said, later adding that, "The defendant killed for the sake of killing ... and it was nothing more than vulgar display of power."

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at [email protected] or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Wade Wilson sentenced to death in killings of Kristine Melton, Diane Ruiz