A Florida courtroom development has left Wade Wilson facing the same serious sentence imposed in 2024. But his attorney has signaled that the next chapter of this high-profile legal battle could reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

FLORIDA — Wade Wilson, 32, remains in Florida’s capital sentencing system as his legal team continues challenging the punishment imposed following the 2019 case involving Kristine Melton, 35, and Diane Ruiz, 43.

Wilson received two capital sentences in August 2024. Although his attorneys have pursued appeals, neither sentence has been overturned.

However, there is an important distinction: the Florida Supreme Court’s official case docket still lists his direct appeal, case SC2024-1345, as open. A new final ruling in that appeal has not been verified

⚖️ What Happened in the Florida Supreme Court?

On February 5, 2026, Wilson’s attorney, Michael Ufferman, appeared before the Florida Supreme Court to challenge the consтιтutionality of his client’s sentences.

The hearing ended unusually quickly.

Ufferman acknowledged that recent Florida Supreme Court decisions had already addressed the legal arguments he intended to present.

Rather than repeat those arguments, he indicated that the defense would preserve its consтιтutional objections for potential review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Why Is Wilson Challenging His Sentence?

The central disagreement involves Florida’s 2023 sentencing law, which allows a jury recommendation for capital punishment with at least eight supporting votes out of twelve.

Wilson’s jury recommendations were 9–3 and 10–2.

His attorneys have questioned whether applying the newer law to events from 2019 is consтιтutionally permissible.

Florida’s courts have rejected similar arguments in other cases, creating significant obstacles for Wilson’s appeal.

Could the U.S. Supreme Court Become Involved?

Wilson’s attorney has publicly discussed pursuing federal review.

But there is no verified confirmation that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Wilson’s case.

A request for review would not automatically change his sentence, and the nation’s highest court would independently decide whether to consider the arguments.

No publicly confirmed date has been announced for carrying out Wilson’s sentence.

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What Happens Next?

For now, Wilson’s sentences remain legally in effect while his appellate proceedings continue.

The next major development could come from a formal Florida Supreme Court decision or a subsequent federal filing.

For the families of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz, the continuing proceedings also mean that a case dating back to October 2019 has not yet reached its final legal conclusion.

The question now is whether Wilson’s attorneys can find a new consтιтutional path forward—or whether Florida’s existing rulings will leave his sentences unchanged.

The courtroom battle continues, and the next decision could determine how much further it goes.

Sources:

Florida Supreme Court — Official Case Record, Wade Steven Wilson v. State of Florida, SC2024-1345.

https://acis.flcourts.gov/portal/court/68f021c4-6a44-4735-9a76-5360b2e8af13/case/d9cfe922-1f03-4d84-97a0-76aab4e82bc9