Third man arrested in March 2024, Eugene, home invasion case

EUGENE, Ore. — A third man has been arrested in a home invasion case from March 2024, Eugene police said.

On October 25, 2024, 31-year-old Vaea John Leata was arrested for his involvement in a home invasion robbery and assault that occurred on March 14, 2024 in Eugene’s Western University District.

Previous suspects arrested in this case include 23-year-old Kellan James McClenaghan of Springfield and 25-year-old Tyree Trevon McClendon of Portland. McClendon subsequently pleaded guilty for his involvement in the case. McClenaghan’s court sentence has yet to be finalized.

Police say the investigation led to evidence showing the victim was defrauded by McClenaghan weeks prior to the incident for a marijuana purchase, which was intended to be a robbery all along.

At a meeting for the transaction/ruse, McClenaghan was allowed into the victim’s home. Shortly afterwards, two masked suspects burst into the home and McClenaghan pulled out a gun, prompting a physical attack on the victim.

The victim was assaulted, strangled and hit in the head with a gun.

Leata was charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, first-degree burglary and strangulation.

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