Thursday Execution Scheduled for Florida Killer and Rapist Loran Cole

Florida is preparing to execute Loran Kenstley Cole, a convicted murderer, kidnapper, and rapist, by lethal injection on Thursday at Florida State Prison.

In 1994, Cole was found guilty of murdering John Edwards, who was just 18 years old and a student at Florida State University. The crime took place during a camping trip, where Cole initially pretended to help Edwards and his 21-year-old sister, Pam.

After luring the siblings into a false sense of security, Cole left the campsite but returned with another man, whom he claimed was his brother. During a walk, Cole suddenly attacked Pam, handcuffing her and forcing her to the ground.

As Pam struggled, John Edwards attempted to intervene. Tragically, Cole overpowered him, resulting in a brutal attack that included cutting Edwards’ throat and bashing his head.

While Pam was taken away by the accomplice, Cole was left to murder her brother. Afterward, Cole raped Pam and bound her to two trees. She managed to free herself the following morning.

If executed as planned, Cole will become the first inmate put to death in Florida this year and the 13th executed nationwide in 2024.

Currently, Cole is among 279 individuals on death row in Florida, which includes two women. Across the entire United States, there are 2,241 men and women facing death sentences.

In a series of appeals over the years, Cole has claimed that he should not have been convicted due to the “horrific abuse” he suffered at Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, a state-run reform school that has since been closed. His allegations include being raped, beaten regularly, and suffering severe injuries, including having both legs broken by staff following an escape attempt.

Despite these claims, Cole has consistently maintained that he was unfairly held responsible for the crimes, often pointing fingers at his co-defendant as having played a more significant role in the events leading to the tragic outcome.