Extradition hearing set for Bend murder suspect

The Central Oregon Community College security officer accused of killing Kaylee Sawyer, 23, of Bend, is fighting to delay a return to Central Oregon.

As we reported earlier, the Deschutes County district attorney’s office was expecting Edwin Lara, 31, of Redmond, to be back in Oregon by the end of August.

Defense attorney Tom Crabtree of Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense in Bend said Wednesday Lara is trying to slow down the court process.

“What he’s doing is he is delaying his return to Oregon by a period of 30 to 60 days. Itt depends on how long it takes to get the paperwork processed,” Crabtree said.

Lara faces five felony charges, including attempted murder, in Siskiyou County, California, and one count of murder here in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel told NewsChannel 21 that last month that Lara would be tried in Bend first after Hummel and Siskiyou County District Attorney Kirk Andrus agreed.

Crabtree said the state of Oregon will have to present evidence to Siskiyou County during the extradition process to prove Edwin Lara is the man they believe killed Kaylee Sawyer.

“There is certain evidence that they have to put on to make the claim that he needs to return to Oregon,” he said. “In this case, it’s going to be pro forma, given Mr. Lara’s statements that’s been recorded in the press. Basically, they have to prove identity and show they do have an indictment for murder here in Deschutes County.”

NewsChannel 21 tried reaching out to Hummel Wednesday about the extradition process by email.

“I would like to inform the public about the status of the prosecution of Edwin Lara, but (presiding Deschutes County Circuit Court) Judge (Alta) Brady has issued an order that prohibits me from doing so,” Hummel replied. Therefore, I cannot answer your questions about the status of extradition and grand jury.”

Brady has issued an order commonly referred to as a “gag order” in the homicide case, ordering all parties to not speak to the media about the case.

Crabtree said it’s unusual for a judge to order both sides to not speak about a case.

“Practicing for 35 years, I don’t recall another case in which a judge has imposed a gag order, ” he said.

He said he believes the judge wants Lara to receive a fair trial, and expect it to begin by next year.

Crabtree said he doesn’t believe there will be a request for a change of venue to move the trial.

Lara will be back in a Siskiyou County courtroom for an extradition hearing next Tuesday.