Ryan Cole, 33, has been sentenced to death for the 2019 murder of 15-year-old Khyler Edman, who was tragically killed while trying to protect his 5-year-old sister from an intruder. The sentencing followed a jury’s recommendation in a 10-2 vote for the death penalty after Cole was convicted of first-degree murder and burglary earlier this year.
Details of the Crime
The events unfolded on September 26, 2019, when Cole, high on heroin and methamphetamine, decided to burglarize the home of Khyler Edman and his family in Port Charlotte, Florida. Cole was desperate for money and believed there might be drugs or cash inside the home.
He used a tool to break into the house in the late afternoon, around 4 p.m., while Khyler was at home alone with his younger sister, their mother being at work.
Upon entering the kitchen, Cole encountered Khyler, who grabbed a chef’s knife to defend himself and his sister. Security footage captured a chilling six-second audio clip of Cole saying, “Come here friend,” followed by blood splattering on the floor.
Khyler was then stabbed four times in the chest and abdomen, ultimately succumbing to his injuries. His younger sister was hidden under a bed and was physically unharmed.
The Aftermath
Law enforcement quickly arrived on the scene and found Cole nearby, his hands covered in blood. Cole later claimed he did not remember the attack, though his actions were captured in the video and described as heinous and deliberately taunting.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
Prosecutors cited several aggravating factors supporting the death penalty, including the heinous nature of the crime, as well as the fact that the murder occurred during a burglary. They emphasized the maliciousness of Cole’s taunting words and actions, particularly towards a vulnerable, young boy trying to protect his sister.
However, Cole’s defense attorney, Kathleen M. Fitzgeorge, argued for a manslaughter conviction instead of murder, suggesting that a life sentence without parole would be more appropriate. She described life in prison as a slow, humane form of justice, allowing for accountability over time.
Judge’s Decision
In the end, Judge Lisa Porter sided with the prosecutors’ recommendation and the jury’s vote, sentencing Cole to death. The decision was supported by local law enforcement, with Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell stating, “He had this coming. There’s a special place in hell for individuals like this, and he’s getting what he deserves.”
Impact on the Family
Khyler’s aunt, Christina Halston, shared the family’s grief, stating, “Our family is broken. Grief is constant, heavy, and unrelenting.” She spoke about the empty seat at family gatherings and the pain of missing Khyler, whose life was tragically cut short. “Khyler mattered. He still matters.”
