![]() Sawyer’s grandfather Jim Walden walked out during Lara’s statement and returned with the rest of Sawyer’s family. I ask you to please heal the hearts of this family, of everyone who is in this place today, and that Kaylee Sawyer rest in peace Amen.” ![]() God Almighty, who art in Heaven, I’ll ask you please, heal the hearts of this community. Someday, I would like to speak to whoever will listen. ![]() I don’t have much to say to you at this moment. “Today, I’ve seen your pain,” said Lara, who turned around to address those gathered in the courtroom, rather than the judge. Much of Sawyer’s family, including her friends, coworkers, mother and paternal grandparents all chose to leave the courtroom and returned after Lara’s statement. Sawyer’s coworkers both delivered tearful testimony about how her murder has affect their lives and work and Sawyer’s father, the only person who addressed the court from the witness stand, held back tears before echoing that his daughter’s voice was not silenced by her murder.Īfter a brief recess Lara was able to address the court. Sawyer’s father, paternal grandparents and co-workers from Awbrey Dental Group read their impact statements this afternoon. The court took a break after testimony from Sawyer’s mother, maternal grandparents and friend. Sawyer’s maternal grandparents, Jim and Sharon Walden, and family friend Doug Gray all expressed frustration at Lara’s plea deal, which allowed him to avoid the death penalty that was being sought by District Attorney John Hummel, by pleading guilty. “I don’t even want to have children anymore because I know that monsters exist,” said Sawyer’s friend. She also said she still struggles to sleep or to be alone at night. One of Sawyer’s friends who testified said she regularly reaches for her phone to text or call Sawyer before she remembers that she can’t. “I’ll always be the mother of a murder victim, but your mother will always be the mother of a murderer and a rapist,” said VanCleave. Sawyer’s mother Juli Walden VanCleave said to Lara during her statement, “You have failed to silence her.” Talking about how Sawyer’s death united the community and there is now a foundation and a scholarship in her honor. He later kidnapped a woman in Salem and then drove to California, where he allegedly shot and wounded a man and carjacked a vehicle with a family inside.īack in March 2017, KOIN 6 News met with Sawyer’s grandparents, who said they want her to be remember for the joy she brought to life.With that Judge Adler allowed impact statements from Sawyer’s friends and family. Authorities said Lara kidnapped Sawyer in Bend on July 24, and tried to assault her before killing her. She said justice is served, but “legal justice” is a far cry from what Kaylee deserved. In a phone call with KOIN 6 News, she said it’s likely an ending to the court case but it does not ease their pain. Juli Walden VanCleave, the mother of victim Kaylee Sawyer, posted on Facebook that Lara agreed to a plea deal that would send him to prison for life, avoiding a possible death sentence. 22 and 23 in Deschutes County Circuit Court. (AP) - A change-of-plea hearing has been scheduled for Edwin Lara, who police say killed a woman in July 2016 while working as a campus safety officer at Central Oregon Community College.Ĭourt records show the hearing has been scheduled for Jan.
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