Charlotte County Jury Finds Ryan Cole Guilty in 2019 Murder of Teen Hero
A Charlotte County jury has found 33-year-old Ryan Cole guilty of first-degree murder in the 2019 death of 15-year-old Khyler Edman.
Edman was tragically killed while bravely protecting his younger sister during a home invasion in Port Charlotte in September 2019. The case drew widespread attention for the teen’s heroism and the brutal nature of the crime.
During the trial, Cole’s defense argued he was under the influence of drugs at the time and could not remember the events. However, multiple witnesses for the state placed Cole in the area around the time of the incident, undermining his claims.
After hearing testimony from four defense witnesses and closing arguments from both sides, the jury reached a guilty verdict.
The state is seeking the death penalty. The penalty phase of the trial is scheduled for May 15 and 16.