Wade Wilson, the Florida man recently sentenced to death for the murders of two women, is set to appear in court next month as he begins the lengthy process of appealing his sentence.
Represented by attorney Michael Ufferman, 30-year-old Wilson filed a notice of appeal on September 15. A status conference hearing is scheduled for October 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the same Lee County Justice Center courtroom where he received his death sentence on August 27.
Wilson, known for his tattoos—including some that are quite controversial—showed no emotion during his sentencing, even as his attorney read a poignant letter from his adoptive parents asking the judge for mercy.
Ufferman, recognized as the 2024 Tallahassee Lawyer of the Year in Appellate Practice by The Best Lawyers in America, also serves as an adjunct professor in criminal procedure at Florida State University College of Law.
Following his sentencing, Wilson was moved from Lee County Jail in Fort Myers to Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, where he will await execution. His latest mugshot features a completely shaved head and a bright orange inmate uniform.
Currently, Florida has 274 men and two women on death row. The female inmates are housed at the Lowell Annex in Lowell, where cells measure 6-by-9 feet. Those awaiting execution are placed in death watch cells that are 12-by-7 feet in size.
Despite the horrific nature of his crimes gaining widespread attention online, Wilson has garnered a surprising amount of support from various individuals.
Robert Melton, the brother of one of the victims, Kristine, expressed his disbelief regarding Wilson’s lack of reaction during the sentencing. “I can’t find the words to express my astonishment,” he said.
Melton also expressed confusion over Wilson’s popularity on social media, remarking, “A friend sent me a link, saying he’s somehow a TikTok sensation, and I just thought, ‘Oh my God.'” He added, “This should not be about Wade; two wonderful people lost their lives.”