![]() 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. ![]() With that Judge Adler allowed impact statements from Sawyer’s friends and family. ![]()
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