Charlotte County: Jury recommends death for Ryan Cole
On Thursday, May 15, a jury recommended by a vote of 10-2 that Cole be sentenced to death.
On May 2, a Charlotte County jury convicted Ryan Cole first-degree murder for killing Kyler Edmund in 2019 in a burglary.
Before trial, in 2024, Cole filed several motions to declare Florida’s 2023 capital sentencing scheme unconstitutional. In February, the trial court denied the motions—determining that the current statute, which allows a jury’s 8-4 recommendation for death, would apply.
After the jury’s guilt-phase verdict, the case proceeded to a guilt phase. On Thursday, May 15, a jury recommended by a vote of 10-2 that Cole be sentenced to death.
Before reaching its final recommendation, the jury determined unanimously that the State proved both of the aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt:
Under the current capital sentencing statute, the trial court has the discretion to impose a sentence of LWOP rather than death despite the jury’s recommendation. Sentencing is set for June 17.
Death as punishment is deserved in this heartbreaking case. The brave victim acted as man despite his age, protecting his young sister.
Too little, too late. Our court system needs serious change. This man has lived far longer than he deserved, while the victim’s family has had to live with heartbreak every single day.
I fully agree with Governor Ron DeSantis on the death penalty. When someone commits such a terrible and cruel crime, justice should be quick and firm. A peaceful death by lethal injection often feels far too easy for someone who caused so much pain.
This isn't just about punishment—it's about standing up for the victims and their families. They deserve peace. The community deserves to feel safe. And people need to know that such evil acts will not go unpunished.
I truly hope there are no more delays. I honestly don’t understand how anyone on the jury could vote “no” after seeing what he did. The family will never get their loved one back—but they at least deserve justice.