A new true-crime documentary titled “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer” is set to premiere on January 20, 2026, and will delve into the chilling case of Wade Wilson, who awaits execution for the gruesome murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz. Convicted in 2024, Wilson’s case gained notoriety not just for its violent details, but also for the unexpected online following he cultivated after his arrest.
The documentary will be accessible exclusively on Paramount+, highlighting the disturbing combination of violence and notoriety that surrounded Wilson, now 25, as he facilitated a significant social media presence despite his heinous acts. The series examines this contrast through police footage and testimonials from those personally affected by Wilson’s actions.
On October 7, 2019, Wilson first encountered Kristine Melton and her friend, Stephanie Sailors, at Buddah LIVE, a Fort Myers bar. After some time spent at the home of another acquaintance, Wilson lured Melton back to her home, where he strangled her to death while she slept. Following the murder, he stole her car and attacked his girlfriend before killing Ruiz, a 43-year-old mother he lured into Melton’s stolen vehicle under the guise of asking for directions. Wilson brutally attacked Ruiz, ultimately pushing her out of the car and running her over multiple times. He was arrested the following day and charged with both murders.
The trial concluded with Wilson being guilty on all counts. The judge labeled the murders as “heinous, atrocious and cruel,” resulting in two death sentences being imposed in August 2024. Wilson’s online presence, nicknamed the “Deadpool Killer” due to his tattoos and apparent charm, has drawn mixed reactions and even fascination from some sectors of the public, a theme that the documentary will explore.
Wilson remains incarcerated on Florida’s death row, currently at the Union Correctional Institution, as he faces additional charges related to drug trafficking and attempted escape from custody. An upcoming release of the documentary on Paramount+ offers a unique insight into a case that has stirred public intrigue and horror alike, further complicating the narratives often associated with violent crimes in today’s digital age.
Viewers in search of more intricate details about Wilson’s life, the circumstances surrounding the murders, and the reaction to his case can find the documentary available through a subscription to Paramount+, which offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans. The chilling nature of Wilson’s admissions about his violent tendencies, captured in the trailer, promises to provoke discussion about the complexities of morality, media influence, and public fascination with criminality.