True crime fans, mark your calendars. Paramount+ is diving into one of the most unsettling and viral cases in recent history with a new three-part docuseries, “Handsome Devil: Charming Killer.” The series explores the dark saga of Wade Wilson, the 25-year-old Florida man convicted of the brutal 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.
More Than Just a Name
While this killer shares a name with Marvel’s “Merc-with-a-mouth,” the real-life Wade Wilson is a far more terrifying figure. The series aims to peel back the layers on:
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The Crimes: A deep dive into the horrific violence Wilson committed.
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The Viral Fixation: Why Wilson’s face-tattooed mugshot sparked a bizarre social media obsession, leading to a “fan base” of people fascinated by his appearance despite his actions.
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The Trial: A look at how the televised proceedings became a playground for online true-crime sleuths.
Behind the Lens
Produced by Law & Crime Productions and See It Now Studios, the series is being spearheaded by a powerhouse team. The series is directed and produced by Brian Ross and Rhonda Schwartz. Dan Abrams, Rachel Stockman, Melody Shafir, and the legendary Susan Zirinsky (48 Hours) serve as executive producers.
The docuseries promises a visceral experience, utilizing police bodycam footage and exclusive interviews with those closest to the case.
“‘Handsome Devil’ reveals a dangerous obsession and infatuation with a convicted, brutal killer in the digital age… the docuseries explores the intersection between true crime and internet culture.” — Susan Zirinsky, President of See It Now Studios.
Wade Wilson’s crimes
The 2019 Killing Spree
In October 2019, Wade Wilson committed two brutal murders within hours in Cape Coral, Florida. Prosecutors described his actions as “killing for the sake of killing.”
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Victim 1: Kristine Melton (35): Wilson met Kristine at a bar. They went back to her home, where he strangled her to death while she was sleeping the next morning.
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Victim 2: Diane Ruiz (43): Hours later, while driving Kristine’s car, Wilson saw Diane walking to work. He lured her into the vehicle by asking for directions. He strangled her and then ran her over multiple times with the car. He later told his father he did this until she “looked like spaghetti.”
The Arrest and Confession
Wilson’s own father, Steven Testasecca, was the one who turned him in. After the murders, Wilson called his father and confessed to the crimes in graphic detail. When Wilson was arrested, he reportedly told detectives he would “do it again.”
A Long Criminal History
While the 2019 murders were his most high-profile crimes, Wilson had been in and out of the system for years:
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2012–2018: Convictions for burglary, grand theft, and firearm theft.
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2015: Charged with sexual battery and kidnapping (he was later acquitted).
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2020: While in jail awaiting trial for the murders, he attempted to escape by conspiring with another inmate.
The “Deadpool Killer” Viral Phenomenon
What made this case a social media fixation was Wilson’s physical transformation while in jail. By the time his trial began in 2024, his face was covered in tattoos, including swastikas, a “Joker” grin, and stitches.
“Hybristophilia”: Despite the brutality of his crimes, Wilson gained a bizarre following on TikTok and Instagram. Legions of people (often referred to as “fans”) sent him love letters and money, obsessing over his “confidant” courtroom demeanor and “bad boy” aesthetic.
Sentencing (2024)
The legal saga finally came to a head in late 2024:
In June of 2024, a jury found Wilson guilty on all counts, including two counts of first-degree murder. In August, Judge Nicholas Thompson sentenced Wade Wilson to Death. The judge noted that the murders were “heinous, atrocious, and cruel,” and that there was no basis to override the jury’s recommendation for capital punishment. Wilson now calls Florida’s Death Row his home.
Coming Soon
Delve into this horrific case when “Handsome Devil: The Charming Killer” premieres on Paramount+ on January 20, 2026.
Are you looking for more true crime on Paramount+? You’re in luck. The service is now streaming series exploring cases such as “Happy Face,” starring Denis Quaid. There’s also “Murder 360,” My True Crime Story,” and “FBI True.”
Of course, you can find a ton of true crime movies and series under our True Crime category.
