Despite confessing to the murders of two women and receiving a death sentence, Florida inmate Wade Wilson has continued to attract a large number of female supporters who express loyalty, send financial ᴀssistance, and engage in personal communication with him from prison. A recent documentary examines this unusual following and the public reaction it has generated.

Wilson, who shares a name with the Marvel Comics character ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool, was 25 years old when he killed Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, on October 7, 2019, in Florida. He was arrested the next day after admitting the crimes during a series of phone conversations with his father. Both women were described by friends and family as well-liked members of their communities. Melton had relocated to Florida to be closer to relatives and maintained long-term friendships. Ruiz was remembered by her children and colleagues, who actively searched for her after she disappeared.

Wilson’s case drew widespread attention after his mugsH๏τ circulated online. His heavily tattooed appearance and later courtroom presentations in distinctive clothing contributed to the case becoming a subject of intense social-media discussion. An organized group of female admirers formed, often referred to in reporting as “Wade’s Wives.” Many of these women contacted him through jail video and phone systems. Some expressed romantic interest, discussed marriage, or spoke about wanting to have children with him. One supporter established a fundraising page that reportedly collected approximately $100,000. While some donors said the money was intended for legal expenses, accounts indicate Wilson used portions of it for personal items available in jail. He also received hundreds of letters and pH๏τographs during his incarceration.

The phenomenon is the focus of the Paramount+ documentary Handsome Devil: Charming Killer, directed and produced by Brian Ross and Rhonda Schwartz. Ross has described the level of devotion as remarkable even among cases involving serious violent offenders. In interviews, some of the women said Wilson made them laugh and told them he loved them during their conversations. Experts consulted for the film suggested that certain individuals with histories of personal trauma may be drawn to incarcerated figures because the interaction occurs at a safe distance. One longtime supporter purchased clothing and attempted to help Wilson prepare his appearance for court.

Prosecutors strongly condemned the public support. After Wilson was sentenced to death in August 2024, State Attorney Amira Fox stated that in more than three decades of work she had never encountered a defendant she viewed as comparably evil, and she expressed shock that members of the community would choose to support him. Wilson was convicted of the two murders in June 2024.

Today Wilson remains on Florida’s death row, held under restrictive conditions with limited external contact. He is appealing the death sentence. Recent pH๏τographs from prison show a noticeable change in his physical appearance compared with the images that first circulated widely. The documentary includes interviews with former partners, Wilson’s father, investigators, and others who knew him. Those who spent time with him described periods of charm that could shift abruptly. Producers note that the crimes continue to affect the victims’ families and the wider community.

The case has prompted discussion about the broader pattern of public fascination with certain convicted offenders. While the documentary explores the psychological and social factors behind the support Wilson received, officials and the victims’ relatives have emphasized the lasting harm caused by his actions. Wilson is expected to remain incarcerated for the rest of his life.

Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is currently streaming on Paramount+.

Sources : New York Post / Fox News