Wade Wilson, the Florida man who could be sentenced to death on Tuesday, is the first convicted killer in the state to face death after Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ controversial law change.
DeSantis signed a law in April 2023 reducing the requirement for jurors to recommend a death sentence from a unanimous decision to an 8-4 vote in favor. Experts argue that this change has turned capital resentencing and trials into a “quintessential game of chance” for those facing the death penalty.
Wilson, 30, killed Kristine Meton and Diane Ruiz within hours of each other in October 2019.
Wilson met Melton at a live-music bar and went home with her on October 6, 2019. The next day, he strangled her to death at her home in Cape Coral, where her body was discovered.
He took her car and was driving when he saw Ruiz walking down the street. She got into the car after he asked her for directions. Wilson strangled her then ran over her repeatedly with the car.
In June, nine of the 12 jurors recommended the death penalty for the murder of Melton and 10 recommended death for the murder of Ruiz.
Newsweek has contacted the Office of DeSantis and Wilson’s lawyers for comment.
Florida allows inmates to choose whether they will be executed by electrocution or lethal injection.
Convicts on death row in Florida have the right to an appeal process, which includes direct appeals and post-conviction relief motions.
This process can be lengthy and involves thorough review by higher courts to ensure that the trial was fair and that all legal standards were met.
Wilson will learn his fate Tuesday afternoon. Prior to the sentencing hearing, Wilson will have a Spencer hearing in which he can address the judge if he chooses.
Death Penalty For Child Sex Crime Offenders
DeSantis also signed legislation in May 2023 that expands death penalty eligibility to those convicted of sex crimes against children.
At the time, he stated that the law could pose a challenge to a 2008 US Supreme Court ruling that declared capital punishment unconstitutional for child sexual battery cases. DeSantis is seeking to have the court reconsider that decision.
“This bill sets up a procedure to be able to challenge that precedent and to be able to say that in Florida we think that the worst of the worst crimes deserve the worst of the worst punishment,” DeSantis said.
In December, State Attorney William Gladson announced they are seeking the death penalty for Joseph Giampa, 36, the Florida man who was convicted of forcing a girl under the age of 12 to engage in sexual acts.
DeSantis addressed the indictment on X, writing, “[Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office] has my full support.”
Giampa was ultimately sentenced to life in prison in February.
Two Death Sentences In One Lifetime
For a second time in his life, a jury decided last week that Pinkney “Chip” Carter of Jacksonville should be put to death.
In 2002, the now 70-year-old murdered his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Reed, her 16-year-old daughter, Courtney Smith, and Reed’s new boyfriend, Glen Pafford. Carter was resentenced due to the death penalty law change, but ultimately got the same result.
Carter has another sentencing hearing set for mid-October when the judge will decide his fate.
