WEST PALM BEACH — A person of interest in two homicides out of Southwest Florida is no stranger to South Florida.
Records show Wade Wilson has spent time in the Palm Beach County Jail. Now a former girlfriend, Kelly Matthews, is sharing her story on a relationship she says had her in fear.
“As soon as his dad called and told me I was like that’s not surprising at all,” said Matthews in reference to Wilson being named a person of interest in two recent homicides.
Matthews says she and Wilson only dated for about four months in 2018 and 2019 but in that period there were several moments that she feared for her life. The 25-year-old man was recently arrested in Southwest Florida on unrelated charges but while behind bars has been named a “person of interest” in the deaths of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.
Matthews says she wasn’t shocked to learn of the investigation.
“He stole my gun as a convicted felon, he stole two laptops, my PlayStation," said Matthews.
In January, Wilson was arrested on grand theft and dealing stolen property charges out of Palm Beach County. After his release from jail, the two got back together.
“He kidnapped me and almost killed me,” Matthew said.
In February, Matthews filed a report with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office after she says he sexually assaulted her on her birthday.
“He started trying to choke me. I almost blacked out and then he asked if I was done being stupid and he pushed me on the floorboard of my car and cut my clothes off and tied it over my head and tied my arms together,” said Matthews.
The incident report details injuries to her mouth and lip. Photos Matthews gave to NewsChannel 5 show bruises and cuts throughout her face. However the investigation is now inactive and the report states Wilson denied the allegations. The report further cited no witnesses and no evidence to establish probable cause.
Matthews’ says she’s now in therapy.
“The therapist told me it’s called gas lighting, when he makes you feel like it’s your fault and then no matter what you want them back,” said Matthews.
She’s closely watching the developments out of Lee County, but says her contact with Wilson is over.
“Before, before absolutely I would have been like ‘well, maybe, but if I ever went back to him I would lose all my friends and my family and he’s not worth it,”’ said Matthews.
Wilson remains in a Southwest Florida jail on the unrelated charges.