A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the brutal murder of 15-year-old Khyler Edman, who was killed while shielding his younger sister during a home burglary.
The sentencing comes after a jury’s 10-2 recommendation for the death penalty, following the conviction of 33-year-old Ryan Cole for first-degree murder and burglary.
The Crime
On September 26, 2019, Ryan Cole, high on heroin and methamphetamine and out of money, decided to break into Khyler’s home in Port Charlotte. Cole believed there may be drugs or money inside.
Around 4 p.m., he used a tool to break into the carport, then entered the kitchen where he encountered Khyler, who was at home alone with his 5-year-old sister while their mother was at work.
In an effort to protect himself and his sister, Khyler grabbed a chef’s knife. Home security footage captured audio of the violent encounter, with Cole taunting Khyler by saying, “Come here friend.”
In the next moments, Cole stabbed Khyler four times in the chest and abdomen, leaving him to die on the floor. His younger sister, who was hiding under a bed, was unharmed.
Investigation and Aggravating Factors
Cole fled the scene but was soon found nearby, his hands bloodied. He claimed he could not remember the attack. Investigators discovered that Cole had committed the murder during a burglary, an aggravating factor in the case.
Prosecutors also argued that the crime was “heinous” and “shockingly evil,” particularly because of Cole’s taunting of Khyler before the murder.
The video footage of the crime, showing Cole chasing Khyler and continuing to stab him, was a key piece of evidence. Prosecutors described Cole’s actions as excessively cruel, given the victim’s young age and the circumstances of the attack.
Defense Argument
Cole’s defense team argued that he should be convicted of manslaughter rather than murder, claiming that life in prison would be a more fitting punishment.
Public defender Kathleen M. Fitzgeorge wrote that life in prison would ensure accountability while offering “a lifetime of reflection and consequence,” as opposed to the finality of execution.
The Sentence
Despite the defense’s arguments, Judge Lisa Porter sided with prosecutors and the jury’s recommendation to sentence Cole to death. In Florida, a jury can recommend the death penalty with as few as eight votes after changes were made to the law following the Parkland shooting case.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, stating, “There’s a special place in hell for individuals like this, and he’s getting what he deserves.”
Impact on the Family
Khyler’s family was devastated by the loss. His aunt, Christina Halston, spoke about the profound grief the family continues to experience. She described how the family’s celebrations are now marked by the absence of Khyler’s smile and how they struggle to understand the senseless tragedy. “Khyler mattered,” she said. “He still matters.”
