CAPE CORAL, Fla. — On Tuesday, Judge Nick Thompson will decide Wade Wilson's fate. Will the convicted Cape Coral double murderer go to prison for life or be sentenced to death?
The trial began on June 1, 2024, with jury selection. Opening statements began with the question, “Are the state and defense ready for trial?”
Watch Fox 4 lead reporter Kaitlin Knapp explain what will happen on verdict day:
Verdict against convicted murderer Wade Wilson expected on Tuesday
“Both died on October 7, 2019, both were strangled, and both were silenced forever from then on,” said Assistant District Attorney Andreas Gardiner.
Kristine Melton was found dead in her home on Tudor Drive on October 7, 2019, while Diane Ruiz was found dead in the bushes three days later after she went missing.
Prosecutors called police officers, forensic experts, friends and family to the witness stand. But they also called Wilson's father – who gave a powerful statement.
“He [Wilson] “He just told me he had done something,” said Steven Testasecca, Wilson's biological father. “Two people were gone and weren't coming back. He said I was a murderer.”
After two days, both the prosecution and the defense concluded their closing arguments – but the defense did not call a single witness.
In its closing argument, the defense tried to convince the jury that the killings were not planned and therefore the death penalty was not an option.
“I'm not saying he's insane, I'm just saying the state acted with intent,” said Wilson's attorney Lee Hollander. “He's crazy. He's completely out of his mind.”
Wilson was found guilty on all counts, including first-degree murder.
Although the death penalty was officially on the table, prosecutors argued that Wilson's crimes were heinous, cruel and cruel.
“He caused her pain and showed total indifference towards her. [Melton’s] life,” said Assistant District Attorney Sara Miller.
However, the defense claimed Wilson was “sick” and had a “sick mind.” They brought in a doctor to support the claim.
“There is enough data to show that his brain does not function like that of a normal, healthy person,” said Dr. Hyman Eisenstein, a defense neuropsychologist.
But the state had its own doctors who disagreed.
Ultimately, the jury recommended that Wilson be sentenced to death.
Now it's time for the final decision on Tuesday, when the judge will hear from both sides. They are expected to present further evidence before the verdict is announced.
The defense recently received authorization for a CT scan of Wilson's brain, based on a prior examination by a doctor.
It is not clear what the state will present during the so-called Spencer hearing.
What we do know is that the judge is expected to issue a verdict against Wilson after the hearing.
Because the case is attracting so much attention, Fox 4 chief reporter Kaitlin Knapp asked the Lee County Sheriff's Office for additional security measures in the courtroom.
“The LCSO recognizes the high level of interest in Wade Wilson's conviction. As always with cases that are in the public spotlight, adequate security measures will be in place.
We will work closely with our partners at the Fort Myers Police Department to ensure the safety of the public and the orderly conduct of legal proceedings.”
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Watch Fox 4's coverage of the Wade Wilson trial
