[Music] Welcome to the Real crime diary daily dose of crime I'm your host mhb today we delve into a case that has stirred emotions and debates for nearly three decades the execution of Lauren Cole last night Florida executed Cole a man who spent 30 years on death row for the brutal murder of 18-year-old John Edwards and the sexual assault of his sister during a camping trip in 1994 let's rewind to that tragic Day in February 1994 John Edwards and his sister were setting up camp in the Okala National Forest when they encountered Lauren Cole and William Paul what began as a friendly interaction turned into a nightmare Cole and Paul subdued the siblings leading to Jon's gruesome murder and his sister's brutal assault now fast forward to 2024 Cole 57 was executed by lethal injection at the Florida state prison in Rayford he was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. Cole's execution marked Florida's first of the year and the 13th in the nation he had no last words remaining silent Until the End John edwards's family opted not to attend Cole's execution instead they released a heartfelt statement through the Department of Corrections Mr Cole has been granted 30 years of life in Florida State Prison this is something he brutally took from our son life that cannot be undone the execution has reignited the death penalty debate Floridians for alternatives to the death penalty called it particularly calculated and particularly hypocritical pointing out Cole's traumatic background and the closed door selection process for his execution this execution has brought mixed emotions not just for the Edwards family but for those who knew Cole personally his son Ryan Cole and a pen pal friend accompanied him for his final meal a poignant reminder that even those condemned to die have connections emotions and stories that impact others Cole's execution wasn't smooth sailing through the legal system he filed numerous appeals citing abuse from his Youth and health conditions including Parkinson's disease but hours before his execution the US Supreme Court denied his final appeal this case also highlights the broader implications of the death penalty in the US the process public reactions and the agonizing wait for justice Echo many similar cases it opens the discussion on whether the death penalty is a righteous path to Justice or a grave moral and ethical misstep as we conclude today's episode it's crucial to remember that these stories are more than just headlines they are a complex web of Justice pain and consequences to stay updated on this and other significant crime stories visit the real Crim diary.com scan the QR code on your screen and join us in exploring the darkest Mysteries and most shocking crimes I'm mhb and this is the real crime diary daily dose of crime stay safe stay informed and let's keep the conversation alive [Music]