DA to seek death penalty against Lara in Sawyer killing

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Wednesday he will seek the death penalty against Edwin Lara in the late July killing of Kaylee Sawyer of Bend. On the same day, a federal grand jury indicted Lara on charges of carjacking a Salem woman shortly after Sawyer’s killing.

“Today I informed the court that the state seeks a sentence of death against Edwin Lara for the killing of Kaylee Sawyer,” Hummel said in a brief announcement.

“This decision was reached after considering the facts of the case, the input of Kaylee’s family, the input of law enforcement, and most importantly, the requirements of the law,” Hummel added.

Lara, 31, of Redmond, a former COCC campus safety officer, is due to go on trial next Oct. 10 in the abduction and killing of Sawyer, 23.

Hummel told NewsChannel 21 it was a difficult decision to decide whether to seek the death penalty but said it was his decision.

Hummel did not speak about the case specifics, having recently been warned by Deschutes County Circuit Judge Michael Adler to abide by a “gag order” and refrain from commenting in detail publicly on the case in ways that could prejudice a jury pool. . Hummel had filed an objection to an earlier order, saying it infringed on free-speech rights and could hamper discussions with the Sawyer family, as well his ability to explain his death penalty decision.

Hummel did say he spoke with 11 family members of the victim, and while he wouldn’t disclose what was discussed, he said, “Each person had a distinct, unique and passionate view.”

Oregon’s current governor, Kate Brown, and predecessor John Kitzhaber have had a moratorium on the death penalty for the last five years. The state’s last execution occurred in 1997.

Hummel told NewsChannel 21 that “Governor Brown’s moratorium had no impact on my decision” whether to seek the death penalty

“The governor is vested with authority to spare the lives of people who received death sentences, judges and juries decide whether a defendant who is facing a sentence of death receives a sentence of death, and district attorneys decide whether to seek a sentence of death. We all have different roles and responsibilities,” Hummel said.

As for his public comments, the DA said, “Judge Adler has instructed the attorneys in this case to not share publicly the facts of the case and I of course will comply with that order.”

The decision to seek the death penalty surprised some local attorneys.

“It seems to be used more in states like Texas, not so much in Oregon,” said attorney Jennifer Coughlin. “But Mr. Hummel apparently has felt as though the requirement of aggravated murder was met in this case, (and) the jury should decide if this gentleman should be sentenced to death.”.

Meanwhile, a federal grand jury in Eugene on Wednesday indicted Lara on charges of carjacking, kidnapping and two counts of brandishing a firearm.

Lara is accused of abducting a woman in Salem and forcing her to drive south to California, where Lara is accused of shooting a man and abducting another family, engaging in a freeway pursuit before his arrest. Lara faces charges in Siskiyou County, Calif., including attempted murder and assault.

If convicted of the federal charges, Lara faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and up to life in prison on the firearm charges, a maximum sentence of 15 years for carjacking and 20 years for kidnapping.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, collaborating with Central Oregon law enforcement, Oregon State Police and other agencies in California.