CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — After weeks of waiting, neighbors and the family of 15-year-old Khyler Edman got the news they have been waiting for.
Ryan Clayton Cole, the man accused of breaking into Khyler's home on September 26 and killing him as he protected his little sister, has been charged with second degree murder and burglary with battery.
"It's been a very long journey and a very sad journey," said neighbor, Shawn Kolanda, "It's a positive moment that finally we're gonna get some justice."
The Charlotte County Sheriff, Bill Prummell, says there was good reason for the delay.
"He was in our custody, we knew he wasn't going anywhere. If by chance he was getting out, we were prepared to charge him, but time was on our side, so we were able to build a stronger case and get much of our evidence processed," said Prummell.
Cole is also facing another burglary charge and a petit theft charge in connection to this case.
According to deputies he tried breaking into another Port Charlotte home after he left Khyler's home.
There have also been rumors that Cole may have chosen Khyler's home because he knew the family or was familiar with them.
Well today, Sheriff Prummell cleared up the speculation.
"We've heard the rumors that there was some sort of relationship. We've looked into that and we have found no evidence that there was any type of relationship between Cole and residents there at that house," said Prummell.
There's still no word on a motive, but what about a confession?
We asked Sheriff Prummell, but he declined to speak on the matter.
While there are still many more questions left in this case, neighbors like Shawn Kolanda, say they're hopeful that the answers will come in time.
Right now, he's just grateful.
"Prayers for the family and thank you to the community and the sheriff's department who reached out and supported them," said Kolanda.
Cole's first appearance on these new charges is currently being scheduled.
He's due back in court on November 4 for one of the burglary charges and the petit theft charge.
