Case length for Khyler Edman murder suspect delay’s family’s healing

Reporter: Erika Jackson Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Khyler Edman. Credit: Shared with WINK News.

A family is ready to fight for justice for their loved one taken far too soon.

It’s been nearly 18 months since 15-year-old Khyler Edman was stabbed to death during a violent home invasion in Port Charlotte while protecting his little sister.

Khyler’s family is worried Monday the case against his accused murderer, Ryan Cole, is delaying their healing process.

“I want him to suffer like Khyler suffered,” Mary Summers said.

Summers and the rest of Khyler’s family have suffered for months and months now. She told us the pain is still fresh and still raw.

“My grandson had his whole life ahead of him, and he doesn’t get the chance to live it,” Khyler said. “I want him to be dead like my grandson.”

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office says Cole murdered Summer’s grandson during a home invasion. Khyler died protecting his sister.

Cole remains in custody at Charlotte County Jail, as he awaits trial, and that frustrates Khyler’s father, Billy Edman.

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

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

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

“I just want something done,” Billy said. “If it’s the death penalty, life in prison. Either way, I just want him sentenced.”

Meanwhile, Summers is opposed to the death penalty.

“He will stay on death row for 10 to 20, and I don’t want that,” Summers said. “I want him to be out in the public population and whatever happens to him happens.”

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