Man sentenced to death for slaughtering 15-year-old boy
Share this @internewscast.com

Inset: Khyler Edman (Life Celebration Center). background: Ryan Cole during his trial for killing Khyler (WFTX).

A Florida judge on Monday sentenced a man to death for the murder of a 15-year-old boy who was shielding his sister as the man broke into their home.

The judge upheld the jury’s recommendation, which was decided by a 10-2 vote, to sentence 33-year-old Ryan Cole to death for the 2019 murder of Khyler Edman at a residence in Port Charlotte. Earlier this year, the jury found Cole guilty of first-degree murder and burglary.

Prosecutors highlighted in a document supporting the death penalty for Cole that he was without financial resources and under the influence of heroin and methamphetamine on September 26, 2019. This led him to target Khyler’s home for a burglary, believing he might find drugs or money inside.

Love true crime? Sign up for our newsletter, The Law&Crime Docket, to get the latest real-life crime stories delivered right to your inbox.

Cole used a tool to gain entry into the carport of the house around 4 p.m. Upon entering the kitchen, he came across Khyler, who was at home with his 5-year-old sister, while their mother was away at work.

Khyler grabbed a chef’s knife to try to protect himself and his sister. A video clip from home security footage mostly captured audio of what happened next.

“During the six (6) second video clip, a voice can be heard stating ‘Come here friend’ and splatters of blood are seen dropping to the floor,” prosecutors wrote.

More from Law&Crime: ‘If it looks bad then it’s bad’: Man ‘jealous’ of brother’s success murdered him in argument ‘over a girl,’ cops say

Cole stabbed Khyler four times in the chest and abdomen. The boy died on the floor. His sister was hiding under a bed and was not physically injured. Cops later found Cole nearby, his hand bloodied from apparently grabbing the knife and overpowering Khyler. He claimed not to have remembered the attack.

Prosecutors argued that there were several aggravating factors that supported Cole receiving the death penalty. First, the murder occurred during a burglary. Second, Cole’s actions were “heinous, meaning extremely wicked or shockingly evil.”

“The Defendant’s voice on the video clip inside the kitchen stating, ‘Come here friend,’ is especially wicked and shockingly evil, as the Defendant was taunting a young boy,” prosecutors wrote. “The video documents that the Defendant was chasing [Khyler] inside his own home. Rather than leaving the home when the Defendant realized the home was occupied, the Defendant proceeded to grab the knife and repeatedly stab 15-year-old [Khyler].”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Tragic Incident: Man Accused of Killing Infant During Walk and Attempting to Conceal Body, Police Report

John Hannon (San Juan County Adult Detention Center). In a chilling incident…

Teenager’s Third DUI in 45 Days Results in Fatal Accident Involving 57-Year-Old Woman, Say Prosecutors

Background: News footage of the crash in Pasco, Wash., on Feb. 6,…

Cold Case Breakthrough: Arrest Made in Decades-Old Tragedy of 5-Year-Old Found Wrapped in Wallpaper

On Wednesday, federal authorities apprehended a man believed to be responsible for…

High Springs Resident Charged with Burglary, Theft, and Property Damage

In a startling incident in Gainesville, Florida, Kaheem Naquaun Smith, aged 33,…

Brazilian Au Pair Sentenced to 10 Years for Deadly Conspiracy in Love Triangle

An au pair who schemed with her employer-turned-lover to kill his wife…

Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Remains Missing as Search Efforts Enter Day 13

As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its 13th grueling day, tensions…

Suspect Caught Red-Handed in UPS Package Phone Theft Spree

In Gainesville, Florida, a man named Kenny Donnell Roberts, aged 42, found…

Michigan Teen Jade Johnson Remains Missing After Over Two Years

Authorities in Michigan are actively seeking assistance in locating a Detroit teenager…

Police Secure Roadway Adjacent to Nancy Guthrie’s Residence

Law enforcement investigating the disappearance of US Today show host Savannah Guthrie’s…

Judge Criticizes ICE for Hindering Immigrants’ Legal Access in Minnesota

President Donald Trump speaks alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a…

States Secure Restraining Order Against Trump Administration’s Proposed Public Health Funding Cuts

President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders in the…

Teen Commits Random Murder During First Period, Returns to Class as if Nothing Happened

Inset: Ethan Goin (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department). Background: The residential street…