BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County District Attorney says he will seek the death penalty for Edwin Lara, accused of killing a woman while working as a security guard at Central Oregon Community College, in July.
D.A. John Hummel says he reached the decision after talking with Kaylee Sawyer’s family, law enforcement and reviewing the facts of the case. That trial is scheduled to begin next October.
Lara was also indicted Wednesday on federal charges for carjacking, kidnapping and brandishing a firearm, related to crimes he allegedly committed while on the run, following Sawyer’s murder. He's accused of kidnapping a woman in Salem and taking her to California. Lara faces additional charges in California, including attempted murder and assault.
