Family ready for suspect in 15-year-old boy’s murder to go on trial

The family of a 15-year-old boy who died protecting his little sister is on a mission for justice.

Khyler Edman was stabbed to death in his Port Charlotte home by a violent intruder in September 2019.

Khyler’s father and grandmother spoke to us for the first time Thursday.

Instead of celebrating Khyler’s 17th birthday with him, his family spent the day mourning the life of a hero.

“I think to myself, ‘Khyler would be driving,” grandmother Mary Summers said. “He would be a junior in high school. He would be probably in ROTC and preparing for his future.”

Khyler died protecting his little sister when investigators say a man burst into their home nearly 18 months ago. His father, Billy Edman, and grandmother have not moved past that day.

“I’m just kind of lost and speechless,” Billy said. “It’s hard living without your kid.”

“It’s been very difficult,” Mary said. “We cry a lot. We miss him so, so much.”

Billy and Mary told us time has not come close to healing their wounds. They miss their hugs with Khyler and miss his laugh.

“He will always be in my heart,” Mary said. “He’s always on my mind, but he’s not physically here.”

Suspect Ryan Cole is in the Charlotte County Jail and charged with Khyler’s murder.

Khyler’s family is ready for the case to go to trial.

The state attorney’s office told us there’s more than 80 witnesses and thousands of pages to sort through, but the case is moving forward.

“They’ve had plenty of time to review their case,” Mary said. “They just need to set a trial date and get on with it so we can have some closure.”

“I just want it over,” Billy said. “I want it to be done.”

Khyler spent his final Christmas donating gifts to local nursing homes. His family plans to do that again this year to carry on his legacy.

“I just want justice for Khyler,” Mary said. “Every day, I talk to Khyler. I think, ‘Khyler, I will get justice for you.’”