Teen dies protecting sister

Speaking of fighting muggers...This poor kid died a hero fighting a home invader...R.I.P. young man.

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (WWSB) - A 15-year-old boy was killed last week in Charlotte County while defending his 5-year-old sister, according to the teen’s family, who has now chosen to come forward.

The sheriff’s office says around 4pm last Thursday, September 26, they were called to Starlite Lane and Ocean Boulevard in Port Charlotte where neighbors said an injured man had been seen walking along the streets.

When deputies arrived, they spotted 27-year-old Ryan Cole. He had been stabbed several times on his hands and side and ran from deputies, crossing the canal towards Conway Boulevard.Deputies say Cole broke into a home on Conway. The homeowner called 911 and deputies took him into custody after a short foot pursuit. Cole was then taken to be treated at a local hospital for his wounds.

The sheriff’s office says they began canvassing the neighborhood and discovered that Cole had broken into a home on Starlite Lane. Inside, they found 15-year-old Khyler Edman deceased.

Deputies say Cole broke into the home, a violent encounter occurred, and Edman died protecting his younger sibling.

The sheriff’s office did not release how Edman died and initially stated the family wished for privacy, but the teen’s family came forward Monday to say Edman was killed in the home while protecting his 5-year-old sister, who was found in the home unharmed.


A GoFundMe account has raised more than $20,000 for Edman’s family.

Cole is currently being held on burglary of an occupied dwelling and petit theft for the break-in on Conway. The sheriff’s office says they continue to investigate what happened at the home on Starlite Lane and expect additional charges to be filed against Cole.

The sheriff’s office says Cole is known to deputies, currently on probation and has a history of drug use. He’s had several arrests in Port Charlotte this year, including:

February 15 - Trespassing and Resisting an Officer Without Violence
March 13 - Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription and Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia
June 11 - Trespassing and Resisting an Officer Without Violence
June 30 - First Degree Petit Larceny
August 6 - Disorderly Conduct and Resisting an Officer Without Violence