Loran Cole was executed in Florida on Thursday for the 1994 murder of an 18-year-old college student, a tragedy following a family camping trip that turned horrifying after his sister was raped.

At 57 years old, Cole was pronounced dead at 6:15 p.m. at the Florida State Prison in Raiford, located about 40 miles southwest of Jacksonville. This was the first execution in Florida this year and the 13th nationwide.

Cole was found guilty of killing Florida State University student John Edwards and assaulting his sister in the Ocala National Forest, around 70 miles northwest of Orlando.

Witnesses to the execution included corrections staff, communications personnel from the Florida Department of Corrections, and seven reporters, including one from the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the YSL News Network.

Here’s what to know about Cole’s execution, including details of his final meal:

Final meal: Pizza, M&M’s, ice cream, and soda

Cole started his execution day at 6 a.m., according to Florida Department of Corrections spokesperson Ted Veerman. His final meal included pizza, M&M’s, ice cream, and a soda.

Although Cole did not meet with a spiritual adviser, he was accompanied by his son, Ryan Cole, who is 36, and his pen-pal friend, Beth Evans, whom he had known for four years.

Veerman mentioned that Cole had the option of a sedative, but it was unclear if he accepted it.

Cole did not have any final words before his execution, and a prison doctor later confirmed his death.

John Edwards’ family chose not to witness the execution

According to Florida Department of Corrections regulations, family members are not allowed to witness executions.

None of Edwards’ relatives planned to attend the execution.

‘A calculated and hypocritical act’

A statewide organization called Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty released a statement following Cole’s execution, arguing it was hypocritical of the state, which “deserves better.”

“The execution of Loran feels particularly intentional,” the statement said, referencing the trauma Cole endured as a student at the now-closed Dozier School for Boys. “Just weeks prior to choosing Loran for execution, the governor and legislature acknowledged the lasting harm inflicted on children from the Dozier School and yet, we executed a survivor tonight.”

The organization further stated that they attempted to present over 7,000 signed petitions to the governor but were told that access to the governor’s office was restricted due to construction work.

“There was no setup for public input, not even a temporary reception area for Floridians’ voices,” the statement added. “The clemency board also lacked sufficient staff this week, as most were attending a conference. The entire selection process was conducted in secrecy with no opportunity for public feedback. Key figures were unavailable during a time a person’s life was being ended. This is not a functioning system of justice.”

Details of Loran Cole’s conviction

On February 18, 1994, the Edwards siblings were preparing to camp when they encountered Cole, then 27, and another man, William Paul, then 20. Cole identified himself as “Kevin,” while Paul was introduced as his “brother,” and he assisted them in setting up their campsite.

Later that night, the siblings planned to visit a pond to photograph alligators with the two men but never arrived there.

Before reaching their destination, court documents reveal that Cole attacked the 21-year-old sister of Edwards, handcuffing her, while her brother attempted to rescue her but was restrained by both men.

Paul took the sister further along the path while Cole stayed behind with John Edwards, who was subsequently killed by a slashed throat and numerous skull fractures. The sister was raped and managed to free herself after being tied between two trees the following morning.

A driver discovered her and alerted 911. Authorities located Edwards’ remains hidden beneath pine needles, sand, and palm fronds.

Three days later, the police apprehended Cole and Paul.

In 1995, both Cole and Paul were found guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon. Cole, who was also convicted on two counts of sexual battery, received a death sentence. Paul accepted a plea deal for his felonies and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He is still imprisoned in Florida.

‘Hoping for a miracle’

Just ten days prior to his execution, Cole’s 36-year-old son, whom he shares with Colleen Kucler from Indiana, visited him on death row alongside his mother.

Kucer stated, “Today’s visit reminded me why I was drawn to him. He could charm anyone.” She informed YSL News last week that Cole always claimed he was innocent of Edwards’ murder and was “hoping for a miracle” concerning his case.

Cole’s ongoing appeals

Throughout the years, Cole has submitted over a dozen appeals regarding his case.

“He insists that he did not murder Edwards and emphasizes that the weapon was found among Paul’s belongings, bearing his fingerprints,” explained Gerod Hooper, the chief assistant at the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, which advocates for low-income death row inmates in Florida.

His legal team argued that Cole deserves clemency due to the “horrific abuse” he endured at the notorious Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, a state-operated facility located in Marianna, about an hour’s drive west of Tallahassee.

His lawyers also argued that the lethal injection could inflict “unnecessary pain and suffering” due to Cole’s Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2017, which causes uncontrollable shaking in his limbs.

On Thursday, just about 30 minutes before the planned execution, the U.S. Supreme Court declined Cole’s lawyers’ request to halt the execution, according to Hooper’s statement to YSL News. The Florida Supreme Court previously turned down a similar appeal unanimously last week.

Cole’s execution was the seventh conducted in Florida since August 8, 2019. The last execution in the state occurred in October when Michael Zach was put to death for murdering a woman in 1996.

This execution also marked the 106th instance of capital punishment in Florida since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 and executions recommenced in the state in 1979.

Lee County man sentenced to death two days before Cole

Two days prior to Cole’s execution, a judge in Florida sentenced 30-year-old Wade Wilson to death for the 2019 murders of Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz.

In Florida, those facing the death penalty have a choice between two methods of execution. While lethal injection is the standard, convicted individuals can opt for electrocution instead.

If the Florida Supreme Court upholds Wilson’s conviction, he will have 30 days to choose his preferred method.

Contributing: Elena Barrera