15-year-old dies protecting little sister in home burglary, police say

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla — Florida teenager was killed while protecting his 5-year-old sister from a man who invaded their home.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell told WPTV 15-year-old Khyler Edman was found dead and his sister was unharmed after authorities canvased the area. Police were initially called to the area after getting 911 calls reporting an injured man, later identified as Ryan Clayton Cole, around 4 p.m. on Thursday.

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“The suspect broke into this residence a violent encounter ensued where we believe that teenager was trying to protect the home and protect their younger sibling,” Prummell said.

Authorities later determined Cole burglarized two homes -- one belonging to a 911 caller and another in which Khyler and his sister lived.

While apprehending Cole, the Charlotte County sheriff received another emergency call about a burglary. Canvassing the area, police realized two houses had been allegedly burglarized by Cole — one belonging to the 911 caller, and the other to Khyler's family. Officers then discovered Khyler dead.

WWSB reported Cole, 27, was seen by authorities on foot. He ran from deputies but was detained. He had been stabbed multiple times on his hands and body.

A GoFundMe has been set up by the slain teen's family to help with funeral costs.More than $41,000 has been raised toward its $25,000 goal.

Cole was taken to Lee County Jail on burglary charges Friday, WINK reported. He was released Monday, according to jail records, and is now in the custody of the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office. According to CCSO records, he is facing charges of burglary and petty theft.

Cox Media Group