Lee County: Jury recommends death for Wade Wilson
Last week, after the penalty phase, the jury recommended that Wilson be sentenced to death by a vote of 9-3 for one victim and 10-2 for the other.
A Lee County jury convicted Wade Wilson of two counts of first-degree murder and other charges on June 12, 2024, for crimes that occurred in 2019.
Last week, after the penalty phase, the jury recommended that Wilson be sentenced to death on both counts. According to news reports, the jury recommended death by a vote of 9-3 for one victim and 10-2 for the other.
News reports state that the jury deliberated for “a little over an hour and a half.” The jury verdict form is not available on the docket, but court minutes reflect the jury’s recommendation for death.
According to news reports, Wilson went viral during the penalty phase for his courtroom demeanor, which social media users called “smug” and “soulless.” He is also referenced as the “Deadpool killer” due to his facial tattoos and name.
Under Florida’s 2023 capital sentencing statute, the trial court has the discretion to impose a sentence of LWOP rather than death despite the jury’s recommendation. Sentencing is currently set for July 23.