Wade Wilson, who was convicted of killing two Cape Coral women, was recommended for execution by jurors on Tuesday.
Beginning deliberations at 1:30 p.m., the jurors reached a judgment about 3:10 p.m. Nine of the twelve jurors recommended the death penalty for Kristine Melton’s murder, while 10 recommended it for Diane Ruiz’s murder.
State prosecutor Sara Miller stated that the jury’s recommendation for execution is a victory for many.
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“I think the one thing I would add is that we truly believe this case is a victory for so many victims.” We’ve heard from numerous women who have been harmed by the defendant that he either did not press charges or, for whatever reason, did not get justice in the legal system. And therefore I believe our victory will protect the safety of many people,” Miller added.
Miller opened closing arguments by stating that this is the time in the trial when they will make the main request, a recommendation for execution.
The state is attempting to establish that the killings of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz were heinous, awful, and cruel.
Miller repeated Wilson’s statement to detectives, saying, “I use my charm, I use my good looks, that’s what I did with the first girl, how I got into her head, look what happened to her.”
The state walked jurors through the killings, describing how Wilson tortured and strangled both women.
Miller discusses the injuries discovered on both women, including how they both displayed symptoms of defensive wounds.
She stated that it is difficult to decide to end someone’s life, but in this case, it was justified.
“I mean, it’s a huge ask. It is. That was sort of the idea, I believe, in that you’re asking someone to take another life. So it’s always a difficult task. But I believe it was a justified conduct in this case, given the horrible nature of the situation,” Miller remarked.
The defense is seeking life in prison for Wilson due to his mental condition and brain injuries.
“Many people are addicted to drugs but do not commit murder. Many people have mental illnesses yet do not commit murder. “Many people are adopted but do not commit murder,” Miller explained.
Wilson’s defense attorney, Kevin Shirley, requested the jurors to choose life in prison for him. Identifying it as “the worst dilemma you may have to face in your entire life: voting for life or death for Wade Wilson”.
Shirley stated that they are attempting to illustrate why Wilson does not merit the death penalty recommendation.
He says that it is unknown whether any of the incidents described by Wilson occurred during the time of the murders.
The defense argued that there was no way to tell if the women were conscious when they died or if they were experiencing the anguish and panic that the state wanted the jury to think.
Shirley also read a letter from Wilson’s sister, who stated that he had succumbed to his mental health concerns.
Shirley urged the jury to suggest life in prison, quoting from a letter: “We can’t love him less because the monster took over, lock him away, but don’t take his life…the boy is in there somewhere and is still loved.” A Florida rule that went into effect last year enables only eight of the twelve jurors to suggest the death penalty to the judge for consideration.