Florida Man Gets Death Sentence for Killing Teen During 2019 Home Invasion

This narrative shouldn’t have had to be shared, and I still feel that way. During a vicious home invasion in 2019, Khyler Edman, then 15 years old, was stabbed inside his Port Charlotte, Florida, home while attempting to save his 5-year-old sister.

Ryan Cole, the perpetrator, had no known relationship to the Edman family when he broke into their house that day. He wasn’t there to exact revenge. He wasn’t trying to find a familiar face. He simply chose a home. Additionally, Khyler resided in that house with his younger sister, who managed to survive since her brother protected her from the assailant.

Khyler lost his life because he decided to fight back rather than flee. It’s simple to imagine what the majority of us would do in such a situation. But such a bold move from a 15-year-old? It is something that remains in your memory.

The fact that that day began so normally hits considerably harder. The neighborhood wasn’t hazardous. This was not an adversarial family. Before it wasn’t, it was just a calm Florida afternoon.

You don’t expect that kind of person to knock on your door. You don’t anticipate having to defend your sister’s or your own life before you’ve even completed high school.

There is more to this case than merely a crime. It is about what happens when safety fails and a child must make a decision that no adult should ever have to make.

Who Was Ryan Cole, and Why Did He Get the Death Penalty?

I saw more than just a criminal when I first read about Ryan Cole. I witnessed someone make a cruel decision that caused a family to fall apart. I’m sure you feel the same way. The jury also reached a decision quickly. Cole was found guilty of first-degree murder and armed burglary with violence on May 2. That made me realize that they viewed this as a planned, violent act rather than just a burglary gone wrong.

And to be honest, everything made sense after I heard what the state attorney’s office had to say. Chief Assistant State Attorney Rich Montecalvo stated unequivocally during the sentencing press conference on July 7 that the death penalty is the proper punishment for this heinous murder. Prosecutors don’t say that carelessly. Courts rarely go that far, as you and I both know.

I watched the public’s response as well, and I assume you did too. If not, view State Attorney Amira Fox’s Office’s official Facebook post. Hundreds of people are standing with Khyler’s family, seeking justice for the sentencing and safety for other families throughout Florida.

It served as a reminder that this issue concerned more than simply the law; it also concerned our collective expectations of the system.

What Happened That Day? A Breakdown of the Home Invasion

Both you and I have witnessed stories with a disorganized chronology, but in this instance, the events transpired with clarity and speed. In Port Charlotte, it all began when deputies received complaints of an injured guy wandering around the area of Starlite Lane and Ocean Boulevard, according to a detailed report by My Sun Coast.

That individual? Cole, Ryan.

He was stabbed on the wrists and side, and he fled across a canal onto Conway Boulevard when deputies attempted to approach. I made an effort to visualize the scene: a bloodied man attempting to flee while racing across water in a neighborhood. Deputies discovered Khyler fatally stabbed back at the Edman residence. Fortunately, his sibling was unharmed.

What shocked me the most was that officials claimed Cole and the Edmans had nothing in common. An act that was entirely arbitrary and illogical, with no history or motivation. That’s probably what frightens you as well. This wasn’t intended. Anybody may have lived there. mine. Yours.

It’s not uncommon for homes to become the most unexpected scene of violence.In a related case in Ohio, a son shot and killed his father inside their home.

What Florida Law Says About Home Invasions Like This?

Like I did, you may be wondering how Florida determines when a case like this warrants the death penalty.As it happens, the law is very clear. First-degree murder is punishable by death under Florida Statute 782.04, particularly if it occurs during another felony, such as a burglary.

Cole was judged guilty of more than just murder in this instance. Additionally, he was found guilty of armed burglary with violence. The death sentence became both feasible and likely as a result of that combination.

I’m not a lawyer, and you may not be either, but here’s what I discovered while researching this:

If someone uses violence, enters a house without permission, and dies as a result? The state has the right and will pursue the death penalty.

Since Khyler’s incident was the very type of crime for which Florida’s home protection laws are intended, it is what has remained with me the most.

We frequently provide updates on significant criminal cases, such as this one, via our WhatsApp news feed; it’s an easy way to keep up without constantly scrolling.

Who Was Khyler Edman? Remembering a Teen Who Fought for His Sister

We occasionally overlook the victim in stories like these because we are too preoccupied with the crime. However, I don’t want you or anybody else to forget Khyler’s identity.

He was lively, according to his obituary. He loved fishing, bike riding, and spending time at Zoomers especially the bumper cars. At Charlotte High School, he participated in ROTC, training for a future he never saw.

He was more than a name in a news article. He was a brother, a student, a kid who liked the beach and was proud to be a Gators fan.

I felt admiration as well as sadness when I read about him. He took the initiative, but not everyone would. He displayed bravery that most grownups lack. And I think it s important that you and I keep telling his story not just to remember him, but to inspire others to protect what matters.

If you ve ever lost someone to violence or want to share a message for Khyler s family, drop it in the comments. Let s make sure his bravery is never forgotten.

Are Florida Home Invasions Becoming More Common?

I don t know about you, but whenever I hear a story like this, I start wondering: How often is this really happening? Are home invasions in Florida actually on the rise or was this a tragic one-off?

Turns out, it s not so rare.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were 2,875 reported home burglaries in Florida last year alone. That s almost 8 break-ins per day. And not all of them happen when homes are empty some turn violent, just like in Khyler s case.

What makes it worse? A growing number involve weapons. The FBI s Uniform Crime Report showed a 7% increase in burglaries involving personal injury or assault in the Southeast region, which includes Florida.

I know these numbers are hard to hear. But they re also a reminder to stay alert and prepared. We don t get to choose when danger comes to our door but we can choose how ready we are when it does.

From private homes to temporary rentals, Florida has seen a rise in fatal incidents inside living spaces like thisdeadly shooting outside a Fort Lauderdale Airbnb.

Can Ryan Cole Appeal His Death Sentence? What Happens Next

If you re like me, you re probably wondering is this really over? Or can Ryan Cole still get his sentence reduced?

The solution? Not yet over.

In Florida, every death penalty case gets an automatic appeal, whether the defense requests it or not. That means Cole s case will be reviewed by the Florida Supreme Court likely within the next 12 to 18 months. And even if they uphold it, Cole could appeal again at the federal level.

Here s where it gets tricky: Cole s lawyers had already brought up his mental health history, citing trauma, drug addiction, and psychiatric diagnoses. And in the past, that kind of defense has been used in other states to block or reduce capital punishment.

But Florida isn t as lenient. Just this year, a similar case in Miami ended with the death penalty despite a defense focused on childhood abuse and schizophrenia. The courts here have made it clear mental health issues don t excuse extreme violence, especially when the victim is a child.

So yes, the legal process might drag on. But as of now, Ryan Cole is officially on death row. And unless a future court sees something the jury didn t, that s where he ll stay.

And sadly, sometimes the threat comes from within the family itself, like in this heartbreaking case where aChicago mother was accused of stabbing her own children at home.

Final Thoughts

Not every headline stays in your heart. But this one does.

Khyler Edman wasn t a soldier. He wasn t a trained fighter. He was a 15-year-old kid who did what many adults hope they d have the courage to do stand between danger and someone they love.

This wasn t just a tragic home invasion. It was a moment that revealed the worst in one man and the absolute best in another. Ryan Cole broke into a stranger s home and left devastation behind. But Khyler? He left behind something even stronger a legacy of bravery, love, and sacrifice.

If you re a parent, sibling, neighbor, or just someone who believes in doing the right thing, this story hits home. It reminds us that safety is precious. That justice while never able to bring someone back can still stand for something. And that even in the darkest moments, light can come from one brave decision.

So lock your doors. Protect your loved ones. But most importantly, don t forget the name Khyler Edman.

Some stories are worth remembering. This one deserves to be shared.

Want to read more real stories about crime, justice, and safety at home? Browse ourHome Securitysection.

Disclaimer:This article is based on publicly available law enforcement records, court documents, and official statements made by the State Attorney s Office and Charlotte County Sheriff s Office. Legal interpretations are for general awareness and do not constitute legal advice.

Table of Contents

• Florida Man Gets Death Sentence for Killing Teen During 2019 Home Invasion

  • Who Was Ryan Cole, and Why Did He Get the Death Penalty?

  • What Happened That Day? A Breakdown of the Home Invasion

  • What Florida Law Says About Home Invasions Like This?

  • Who Was Khyler Edman? Remembering a Teen Who Fought for His Sister

  • Are Florida Home Invasions Becoming More Common?

  • Can Ryan Cole Appeal His Death Sentence? What Happens Next

  • Final Thoughts

• Who Was Ryan Cole, and Why Did He Get the Death Penalty?

• What Happened That Day? A Breakdown of the Home Invasion

• What Florida Law Says About Home Invasions Like This?

• Who Was Khyler Edman? Remembering a Teen Who Fought for His Sister

• Are Florida Home Invasions Becoming More Common?

• Can Ryan Cole Appeal His Death Sentence? What Happens Next

• Final Thoughts