Serial killer Joshua Wade, who confessed to killing five people in Alaska, died in Indiana State Prison last Friday.

Wade, 44, who previously claimed responsibility for multiple murders in Alaska, was found unresponsive in his cell on June 14, and despite attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead, as Alaska Public Media reports.

Born in Great Falls, Montana, and later moving to Anchorage, Alaska, Wade's life would eventually take a dark turn.

Raised in Anchorage with his father, Wade spent much of his adolescence in juvenile detention. At age 20, he committed his first known murder, killing Della Brown in 2000, whose body was discovered in a shed in the Spenard area.

Brown's Case Leads Authorities to Further Crimes

Wade soon admitted to killing a second unidentified man, adding to his legacy of cruelty.

Wade was acquitted of sexual assault and murder charges related to Brown's case but was convicted of witness tampering. After serving his sentence, Wade was back on the streets by 2007, having only completed probation.

In 2007, Wade committed another heinous act, murdering his neighbor, Mindy Schloss, who was a respected nurse practitioner. Schloss went missing for over a month before her body was found in Wasilla. The investigation revealed that Schloss was tortured before being shot to death.

Wade's Multiple Life Sentences

Following the murder of Schloss, Wade faced both state and federal charges. In a 2010 plea agreement, he received multiple life sentences and admitted to the murder of Brown. During the plea negotiation, Wade also claimed responsibility for three additional unsolved murders, including the death of John Michael Martin in 1994 and Henry Ongtowasruk in 1999, both of whom had mental illnesses.

To facilitate his cooperation, Wade was transferred out of Alaska to a maximum-security facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. However, it remains unclear why or when he was moved to the Indiana State Prison system instead.

Despite his notorious history, an autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of Wade's death. Brandi Pahl stated, "Despite life-saving measures being performed, he was pronounced dead."

The Endless Danger Of Joshua Wade

Prosecutors underscored the gravity of Wade's actions, stating, “The fact that he chose to kill again, and kill quickly, demonstrates his indifference to human life, his inability to be rehabilitated, and his omnipresent danger to society.”

Wade's actions left an indelible mark on both the victims’ families and the broader community. His violent tendencies began early and persisted throughout his life, continually proving his resistance to rehabilitation.

In his early years, Wade's troubles with the law began in his teens, culminating in his commitment to juvenile jail. The pattern of violence and disregard for human life defined Wade’s existence, leading to devastating consequences for his victims and their families.

Summary Of Wade's Life and Death

Joshua Wade’s life was marked by brutality from a young age. His ruthless actions began in his teenage years, escalating into multiple murders that he later confessed to during his incarceration.

Wade's first known victim was Della Brown, killed in 2000. Following his acquittal of major charges in that case, he went on to murder again in 2007, taking the life of Mindy Schloss. His subsequent imprisonment led to confessions of additional murders, highlighting a pattern of violence and instability.

Transferring to maximum-security prisons was part of the agreements made with law enforcement, but it did nothing to cleanse the trail of terror Wade left behind. His death at the Indiana State Prison ends a chapter filled with horror for many, yet questions about his passing remain.

An autopsy aims to reveal the cause of Wade’s death, attempting to put a final piece in place in the grim puzzle of his life. For those affected by his crimes, the news of his death may bring a semblance of closure.

In conclusion, Joshua Wade’s notorious life ended abruptly in an Indiana prison cell, leaving behind a legacy marred by brutality and pain. His history serves as a somber reminder of the impact of unresolved trauma and violence on both individuals and communities.