A 15-year-old Florida teen died trying to protect his younger sister from an intruder who broke into their home.
Khyler Edman’s body was found on Sept. 26 in his Port Charlotte home after Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to 911 calls of an injured man walking around in the neighborhood of Starlite Lane and Clean Boulevard who looked like he had been stabbed, WPTV 5 News reported
When police approached the man who appeared he attempted to run before deputies eventually apprehended him.
It was only after canvassing the neighborhood that deputies found Khyler’s body and his 5-year-old sister he died to protect.
The sister was reportedly unharmed.
The suspect was later identified as 27-year-old Ryan Clayton Cole. He was transported to a nearby hospital for multiple stab wounds on his side and hands.
“The suspect broke into this residence,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said. “A violent encounter ensued where we believe that teenager was trying to protect the home and protect their younger sibling.”
Pummell said it was “a very tough scene to deal with” and described the events leading up to Khyler’s death as “a senseless crime.”
He confirmed that Khyler did die from injuries sustained in the attack but would not give any further details of Khyler’s injuries.
While law enforcement officers were still on the scene, more calls came in reporting burglaries in the area, according to ABC News.
One of the victims described the suspect as Cole and even reported him in a photo lineup. Cole was reportedly charged with burglary of an occupied home and petit theft.
ABC News reported additional charges are expected after the investigation of Khyler’s death is concluded.
“We are working very closely with state attorney’s office so we can provide the best case we can, so this individual does not see the light of day again,” Pummel said.
Police were familiar with Cole from past encounters, saying he had a drug problem and was also on probation.
The family is seeking help to cover Khyler’s funeral costs.
“On September 26, Khyler lost his life being a hero protecting his five-year-old sister, when a man broke in our home in Port Charlotte,” his family said in a GoFundMe announcement of the incident.
“Please help my family at this time give Khyler a proper burial he deserves, he was only 15 years old and lost his life due to a senseless act of a stranger. My son had a long life ahead of him, that was taken too soon. I have given Crystal Stone and Chad Ackermann permission to help my family at this time,” the GoFundMe page reads.
There will also be a fundraiser event on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Harbor Heights Park.
