State Attorney Amira Fox announces today that the State Attorney’s Office has filed a “Notice of Intent to Seek Death Penalty” against defendant Ryan Clayton Cole.
A Charlotte County Grand Jury indicted Cole for First Degree Murder, First Degree Burglary with Battery, and Burglary of a Dwelling in December 2019.
Cole, 28, is charged with murdering a 15-year-old boy during the commission of a burglary at a Port Charlotte home on September 26, 2019. During the perpetration of the burglary the defendant allegedly stabbed the young teen to death.
The defendant was discovered by a homeowner at a second residence after an alleged burglary at that home. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office handled the extensive investigation.
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity and Assistant State Attorney Jennifer Garczewski are prosecuting the case.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
ssyoen@sao20.org
239-533-1125