Wade Wilson became one of the most closely watched criminal cases in Florida after being convicted in the 2019 deaths of two women. But beyond the courtroom, his case sparked another disturbing phenomenon: hundreds of women reportedly became fascinated with him, sending messages, letters, money and even expressing a desire to marry him or have children with him.

The unusual following is explored in the Paramount+ true-crime documentary Handsome Devil: Charming Killer, which examines Wilson’s case through interviews with investigators, former girlfriends, his father and others who encountered him.

Wilson, who shares his name with the Marvel character Deadpool, was convicted in June 2024 in the deaths of Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43. He was sentenced to death in August 2024.

According to documentary producer Brian Ross, the online attention surrounding Wilson went far beyond ordinary public curiosity.

“I’ve covered a lot of criminals and brutal murderers, but this is a remarkable phenomenon that circles him,” Ross said.

He explained that hundreds of women appeared to become emotionally attached to Wilson despite knowing about the serious allegations and convictions surrounding his case.

Some reportedly referred to themselves as “Wade’s Wives,” while others contacted him through jailhouse calls, letters and social media. According to the documentary’s producers, some admirers even discussed marriage and having children with him.

The attention intensified after Wilson’s courtroom appearances and photographs spread widely across social media. His heavily tattooed appearance, distinctive style and confident demeanor became subjects of online fascination, turning a serious criminal case into a viral internet spectacle.

📱 THE ONLINE FANDOM

The phenomenon reportedly became particularly visible on TikTok and other social platforms.

According to Ross, Wilson received hundreds of messages and letters from admirers while incarcerated. Some supporters reportedly sent money, clothing and other items, while others expressed strong personal affection toward him.

Ross said that at one point, a fundraising effort connected to Wilson reportedly collected around $100,000. Supporters said the money was intended to assist with his legal expenses, although Ross claimed Wilson also used funds for snacks and other purchases while in jail.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office previously told Newsweek that Wilson received 3,903 messages between June 12 and July 12, 2024, following his conviction. He also reportedly received 65 letters and 754 photographs, with 163 photographs rejected because officials considered them inappropriate.

For investigators and prosecutors, the volume of attention was difficult to understand given the seriousness of the case.

💔 TWO WOMEN, TWO FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND

Behind the viral attention were two women whose families described them as deeply loved.

Kristine Melton had moved to Florida to be closer to her family and was remembered by friends as someone with a close-knit circle of loved ones.

Diane Ruiz was also deeply connected to her family and colleagues. When she disappeared, people close to her organized searches and worked to bring attention to her case.

Documentary producer Rhonda Schwartz emphasized that the women were more than names connected to a sensational criminal case. They were daughters, friends, mothers and colleagues whose absence left lasting pain for those who knew them.

⚖️ A CASE THAT ENDED IN A DEATH SENTENCE

Wilson was arrested on October 8, 2019, after making statements to his father about the two deaths.

In June 2024, a jury convicted him in the killings of Melton and Ruiz. Two months later, he was sentenced to death.

Florida State Attorney Amira Fox publicly expressed disbelief that anyone would support Wilson after his conviction.

The case also raised questions about Wilson’s behavior, his relationships and the factors that may have contributed to his actions. Former girlfriends and people who knew him described dramatic changes in his demeanor, while investigators and legal professionals examined different aspects of his background during the proceedings.

Wilson has continued to challenge his death sentence through the legal system.

👀 THE FASCINATION THAT REFUSES TO DISAPPEAR

Perhaps one of the most striking elements of the case is the contrast between the seriousness of the convictions and the intense personal fascination that developed around Wilson online.

Some admirers appeared captivated by his appearance and personality, while others reportedly believed they could understand, change or even “fix” him.

Ross said that some women who knew Wilson described being drawn to his eyes and charm, while also recalling moments when his behavior appeared to change dramatically.

Today, the image that once dominated social media has reportedly changed. More recent prison photographs show Wilson looking noticeably different from the carefully presented figure that attracted attention online.

But the fascination surrounding his case remains a striking example of how social media can transform even the most serious criminal proceedings into a source of intense public obsession.

For the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, however, the story is ultimately about two women whose lives were taken and the loved ones who continue to live with their loss.

The case remains a powerful reminder that behind every viral criminal story are real people, real families and consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom.