Paramount Plus has released Handsome Devil: Charming Killer, a three-part documentary series examining the case of Wade Wilson, a Florida man convicted of murdering two women. Wilson was arrested in 2019 following the deaths of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz within hours of each other. He was later convicted and sentenced to death in 2024, and remains on death row.
Mugshot and online following
As the case unfolded, Wilson's mugshot attracted attention from people drawn to his 'bad boy' image. The series features first-hand accounts from people close to the investigation, covering the trial and sentencing, as well as how Wilson developed 'a devoted online following'.
The synopsis states: "Handsome Devil, Charming Killer unravels the story of how Wade Wilson, a 25-year-old Florida man arrested for the brutal murders of two women, unexpectedly became a social media fixation. Wilson's mugshot ignited an online frenzy among people drawn to his 'bad boy' bravado, surprising tattoos and seductive smile."
Viewer reactions
It continues: "Dubbed as the 'Deadpool Killer,' he became an object of fascination for online fans, even as the details of his crimes grew more disturbing. Through police bodycam footage and chilling first-hand accounts from those closest to the case, the series explores how a man who committed unimaginable violence ended up with a devoted online following."
All three episodes are available on Paramount Plus, with each covering different stages of the case. Wilson, now aged 32, became known as the 'Deadpool Killer' because he shares the name with Marvel's Deadpool.
Viewers have shared reactions online, with one writing: "It's not an easy watch, but it is an important one, exposing how dangerous charm can be when paired with complete emotional emptiness and a justice system forced to untangle the damage left behind." Another said on IMDb: "I had never heard much about this crime before I watched this documentary. It was a well-done documentary yet extremely disturbing."
One person admitted they had seen 'thirst trap' videos of Wilson on TikTok and thought he was handsome without knowing what he had done, saying the documentary had completely changed their view. A fourth viewer wrote: "Loved this! Brilliantly done, and I had to watch all 3 episodes straight away. Kept me enthralled, and it's crazy how mind-bending it is seeing women be attracted to a killer! Can't say I agree fully with the outcome, but then I don't agree with the death penalty, but this is a nail-biting watch. Couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Well worth the watch."
Other coverage
Wilson's case has also been featured on Netflix's Worst Ex Ever in an episode titled 'Dating the Deadpool Killer'. Handsome Devil: Charming Killer is streaming now on Paramount+.
