This afternoon, the jury in the Ryan Cole case, recommended a sentence of death for the murder of a 15-year-old boy during a burglary in Charlotte County. Today was the penalty phase of the trial. Cole was convicted on May 2, 2025, of First-Degree Murder, First Degree Burglary with Battery, and Burglary of a Structure.
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity and Felony Chief Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Garczewski prosecuted the case.
Cole murdered the teenager during the commission of a burglary at a Port Charlotte home on September 26, 2019. During the perpetration of the burglary, the defendant stabbed the young teen to death.
Cole then burglarized a second residence and was discovered behind the home.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office did an extremely detailed and extensive investigation in this case.
The judge will make the final ruling on whether Cole is sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 17, 2025.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director