Florida Man Gets Death Sentence for Killing Teen During 2019 Home Invasion
I still can’t shake the feeling that this story should’ve never had to be told. A 15-year-old boy, Khyler Edman, died inside his own home in Port Charlotte, Florida—stabbed while trying to protect his 5-year-old sister during a brutal home invasion in 2019.
The person responsible, Ryan Cole, broke into the Edman home that day with no known connection to the family. He didn’t come for revenge. He wasn’t looking for someone he knew. He just picked a house. And that house happened to be where Khyler lived—with his little sister, who ended up surviving because her brother stood between her and the attacker.
That moment—Khyler choosing to fight back instead of running—cost him his life. It’s easy to imagine what most of us would do in a moment like that. But a 15-year-old stepping up like that? It’s something that stays with you.
What hits even harder is how normal that day started. This wasn’t a dangerous neighborhood. This wasn’t a family with enemies. It was just a quiet Florida afternoon until it wasn’t.
You don’t expect someone to come through your door like that. You don’t expect to have to fight for your life—or your sister’s—before you’ve even finished high school.
This case isn’t just about a crime. It’s about what happens when safety breaks down, and a kid is forced to make an adult decision no one should ever have to face.
Who Was Ryan Cole, and Why Did He Get the Death Penalty?
When I first read about Ryan Cole, I didn’t just see a criminal—I saw someone who made a brutal choice that tore a family apart. You probably feel the same way. The jury didn’t take long to decide either. On May 2nd, they convicted Cole of first-degree murder and armed burglary with battery. That told me one thing: they saw this not just as a break-in gone wrong, but as a calculated, violent act.
And honestly, once I heard what the state attorney’s office said, it all made sense. At the sentencing press conference on July 7, Chief Assistant State Attorney Rich Montecalvo said straight up, “The death penalty is the appropriate sentence for this atrocious crime.” That’s not something prosecutors say lightly. You and I both know how rare it is for courts to go that far.
I saw the public’s reaction, too—and I’m guessing you came across it as well. If not, check out the official Facebook post from State Attorney Amira Fox’s Office. You’ll see hundreds of people standing with Khyler’s family, calling the sentence justice, and demanding protection for other families across Florida.
It reminded me that this case wasn’t just about law—it was about what we all expect from the system.
What Happened That Day? A Breakdown of the Home Invasion
You and I have both seen stories where the timeline is messy, but in this case, the events played out clearly—and quickly. According to a full report by My Sun coast, it all started when deputies got calls about an injured man walking around near Starlite Lane and Ocean Boulevard in Port Charlotte.
That man? Ryan Cole.
He had stab wounds on his hands and side, and when deputies tried to approach, he ran—crossing a canal toward Conway Boulevard. I tried to imagine that scene: a bloody man running through a neighborhood, crossing water, trying to escape. Meanwhile, back at the Edman home, deputies found Khyler stabbed to death. His sister—thankfully—was safe.
Here’s what shook me the most: authorities said there was no connection between Cole and the Edmans. No motive, no history—just a completely random, senseless act. And that’s probably what scares you too. This wasn’t targeted. It could’ve been anyone’s home. Mine. Yours.
Cases where home turns into the most unexpected place of violence aren’t new. A similar case in Ohio involved a son fatally shooting his own father inside their residence.
What Florida Law Says About Home Invasions Like This?
You might be wondering, just like I was, “How does Florida decide when something like this deserves the death penalty?” It turns out, the law is really clear. Under Florida Statute § 782.04, first-degree murder is a capital offense—especially when it happens during another felony, like a burglary.
In this case, Cole wasn’t just found guilty of murder. He was also convicted of armed burglary with battery. That combination made the death penalty not just possible—but likely.
And look, I’m not a lawyer, and maybe you aren’t either—but here’s what I learned while digging through this:
If someone enters a home uninvited, uses violence, and it results in death? The state can—and will—seek capital punishment.
What stuck with me is how serious Florida is about protecting homes—because what happened to Khyler was exactly the kind of crime those laws are meant for.
We often share updates on major crime cases like this one through our WhatsApp news stream—it’s a simple way to stay in the loop without scrolling endlessly.
Who Was Khyler Edman? Remembering a Teen Who Fought for His Sister
Sometimes in stories like this, we focus too much on the crime and forget about the victim. But I don’t want you—or anyone else—to forget who Khyler was.
According to his obituary, he was full of life. He loved fishing, bike riding, and spending time at Zoomers—especially the bumper cars. He was in ROTC at Charlotte High School, preparing for a future he never got to see.
He wasn’t just a name in a headline. He was a brother, a student, a kid who liked the beach and was proud to be a Gators fan.
When I read about him, I didn’t just feel sadness—I felt admiration. Not everyone would step up the way he did. He showed courage most adults don’t even have. 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 this deadly 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 answer? 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 a Chicago 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 our Home Security section.
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.
