Third man arrested in March 2024 home invasion robbery case

On October 25, 2024, 31-year-old Vaea John Leata was arrested for his involvement in a home invasion robbery and assault that took place on March 14, 2024, in Eugene's west university district (Case 24-03770).

Prior suspects already arrested in this case are 23-year-old Kellan James McClenaghan of Springfield, and 25-year-old Tyree Trevon McClendon of Portland. McClendon has subsequently pleaded guilty for his involvement in the case. McClenaghan's court disposition is yet to be finalized.

The investigation led to evidence showing that for weeks prior to the incident, the victim was set up by McClenaghan for a marijuana purchase that was intended to be a robbery all along- Upon meeting up for the transaction/ruse, McClenaghan was allowed into the victim's residence. Very shortly thereafter, two masked suspects barged inside the residence and McClenaghan pulled out a handgun, at which point a physical assault of the victim took place. The victim was assaulted, strangled, and pistol-whipped in the head. Leata was charged with Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, and Strangulation.

If you have any information about this case, please contact Detective Chris Mackey with the Eugene Police Department - [email protected]