Ahead of Tuesday's sentencing hearing, female admirers of convicted killer Wade Wilson are pleading with a judge to spare his life, in hopes of saving him from death row.
In June, Wilson, a 30-year-old double murderer, was found guilty in the 2019 slayings of Cape Coral, Florida, women Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43, prosecutors announced.
Upon his murder conviction, the jury recommended Wilson be put to death for the victims' gruesome slayings, but the final decision on his fate rests in the hands of Lee County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Thompson.
Wilson was originally scheduled for sentencing July 23, but citing scheduling conflicts, his defense team requested a delay.
Here's what we know about the man dubbed the "Deadpool Killer."
What he did
Wilson was 25 years old when he strangled Melton and Ruiz to death within hours of each other on October 7, 2019.
He first met Melton at a Fort Myers bar in Florida, went back to her Cape Coral house, and fatally choked her while she slept in her bed, according to prosecutors. He then stole her car, saw Ruiz walking down the street, and lured her into the car by asking for directions.
Prosecutors said Wilson proceeded to beat and strangle Ruiz, pushed her out of the car, and ran over her body up to 20 times.
Wilson then bragged about what he did during a phone call with his father, Steven Testasecca, who in turn, called police.
"This case was about killing for the sake of the killing," Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner said during Wilson's trial earlier this year, according to The Independent. "Strangulation is the epitome of life slipping through someone's hands."
"It's about what Wade Wilson did to Christine Melton and Diane Ruiz. And make no mistake about it: despite his bragging, his boasting, and the excitement he wants to feel, this case was nothing more than a graphic, vulgar display of power," said Gardiner.
Conviction
In 9-3 and 10-2 votes, the jury recommended the death penalty after Wilson was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder, grand theft, battery, burglary and petit theft, in connection with the women's deaths, according to prosecutors.
In Florida, a minimum of eight votes is needed for the death penalty recommendation.
Florida executes death row inmates by lethal injection or electrocution.
Separately, Wilson stands accused of attempted escape and criminal mischief after he and his cellmate allegedly tried to break out of the Lee County Jail in 2020.
Efforts to save his life
Wilson's case gained national attention earlier this year after scores of women agreed he was attractive, prompting admirers to flood the killer's inbox with thousands of love letters.
The "Save Wade Steven Wilson" FUNDLY campaign, aimed at saving him from the death penalty and affording him a new defense team, has so far raised more than $70,000, with one donor giving a staggering $24,000.
"Stay strong Wade! we will help you! <3," a supporter wrote in the comments section.
"I'd love to be able to talk with him cos I know he deserves a second chance and no death penalty," stated another.
Who will speak at Wilson's sentencing
The court is anticipating hearing from both sides at this week's hearing.
The defense is expected to present Wilson's results from last week's brain scan, as well as test findings and interviews from four mental health experts.
Victim impact and witness statements will also be heard.
Siding with the jury, the state will recommend Wilson's execution, said prosecutors.
Judge Thompson will ultimately decide Wilson's fate between the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
