PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — The man was sentenced to death Monday after being convicted of murdering a 15-year-old boy who was protecting his sister in a 2019 home invasion in South Florida.
According to a report by NBC affiliate WBBH, Ryan Clayton Cole, 33, was found to have committed the crime of stabbing 15-year-old Khyler Edman, 15.
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The teenager was home alone with his 5-year-old sister on the night of September 26, 2019, when Cole broke into his Port Charlotte residence. Edman tried to protect his sister by fighting Cole, but he didn’t survive.
His sister was unharmed.
Charlotte County deputies later discovered that Cole was hiding in a nearby home. Investigators said Cole had suffered several stab wounds on his hand and on his side.
He was arrested for robbery and theft and was later charged with first-degree murder.
The ry judge found that Cole was found guilty in all three counts, following a two-week trial earlier this year. Ju-deans have shown significant evidence suggesting call to the crime, as well as graphic photos of Edman’s lively body and bloody crime scene.
The ju judge recommended Cole’s death.
His ruling was originally scheduled for June, but his defense team wanted more time. According to WBBH, the psychiatrist diagnosed Cole and psychotic disorders and said he had a history of childhood trauma and substance abuse.
Judge Lisa Porter was sentenced to death by Cole on Monday, July 7th.
