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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was sentenced to death Monday after being convicted of killing a 15-year-old boy who was protecting his sister during a 2019 home invasion in South Florida.
Ryan Clayton Cole, 33, was found guilty of stabbing Khyler Edman, 15, to death, according to reports by NBC affiliate WBBH.
The teen was home alone with his 5-year-old sister on the night of Sept. 26, 2019, when Cole broke into their Port Charlotte residence. Edman tried to protect his sister by fighting Cole, but did not survive.
His sister was unharmed.
Charlotte County deputies later found Cole hiding inside a nearby home. Investigators said Cole had also suffered several stab wounds on his hands and to his side.
He was arrested on burglary and theft charges and later charged with first-degree murder.
A jury found Cole guilty on all three counts following a two-week trial earlier this year. Jurors were shown significant evidence implicating Cole in the crime, as well as graphic photos of Edman’s lifeless body and the bloody crime scene.
The jurors recommended death for Cole.
His sentencing was originally scheduled for June, but his defense team asked for more time. According to WBBH, a psychiatrist diagnosed Cole with a psychotic disorder and said he has a history of childhood trauma and drug abuse.
Judge Lisa Porter sentenced Cole to death on Monday, July 7.