News

Teen Dies Trying To Protect His 5-Year-Old Sister During Deadly Home Invasion

NewsPublished Oct 2, 2019
By Genny Glassman
Khyler EdmanGoFundMe

A teenage boy died while protecting his younger sister during a home burglary attempt last week, according to police. Authorities found 15-year-old Khyler Edman of Port Charlotte, Florida, huddled with his 5-year-old sister shortly after they entered the home. Cops later explained that the boy had been attempting to fend off the intruder when a "violent encounter ensued."

The incident happened on September 26, when 27-year-old suspect Ryan Clayton Cole allegedly broke into the home while fleeing from police.

Authorities had been called to Edman's neighborhood after a different resident reported an unknown male had entered someone's property on a street near the teen's home. It was only after Cole was apprehended and they began to canvas the neighborhood that cops discovered a second burglary had taken place at Edman's house.

According to the Daily Mail, Cole had "several stab wounds" on his hands and sides when they found him. He was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

By the time help arrived at the teen's home, however, it was already too late.

Police found the 15-year-old dead inside his home, though his 5-year-old sister was unharmed.

"It appears that the suspect had broken into this residence," Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said. "A violent encounter ensued where we believe that the teenager was trying to protect the home, protect their younger sibling."

Police later added that Cole likely received his injuries "inside the same residence during a violent encounter." But they would not clarify what exactly transpired in those moments of violence.

Edman's family has started a fundraising page to raise money for his funeral, and his mother is speaking out about her son's death.

So far, the GoFundMe campaign has surpassed its $25,000 target, with more than $74,000 raised (and counting).

"On September 26, Khyler lost his life being a hero protecting his 5-year-old sister, when a man broke in our home in Port Charlotte," a description on the page read. "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." 

Police have also asked for privacy for the family during this dark time.

 "We request that the community and media continue to give the family privacy as they grieve," a representative told the Daily Mail. "Detectives are continuing to work closely with the State Attorney's Office on this investigation."

As for Cole, he is charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling and petit theft of a different residence. It's still not clear if additional charges will be filed in light of Edman's death.

"My son had a long life ahead of him, that was taken too soon," his mother wrote on the GoFundMe page.

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