EUGENE, OR -- The family of a woman murdered a year ago is suing Central Oregon Community College. Edwin Lara is accused of killing Kaylee Sawyer in July 2016, while he worked as a security guard at the Bend campus. 

The civil suit was filed Monday in federal court in Eugene by Tim Williams, a Bend attorney who specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. The family alleges the college fostered a culture that allowed the murder to occur.

In a written statement, COCC President Dr. Shirley Metcalf says, "This was a senseless and horrific crime. We share in our community's sense of loss over Kaylee Sawyer's death. As educators, we seek to create a better future for young people, and to see a life cut short this way is heartbreaking. We are reviewing the lawsuit details. In the meantime we offer our most sincere condolences to Kaylee's family and friends."

Lara is expected to stand trial in the criminal case in October 2018.