Pretrial Motions Filed in Oakland Homicide Case

OAKLAND, Ore. — Attorneys representing 48-year-old Dwayne Michael Lauka, accused of killing 78-year-old Terry Lea Deane in August 2023, have filed multiple motions ahead of his February trial, including one seeking to block the use of a bloody palm print found at the scene. Lauka has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder.

Deane was found dead in her Oakland home after what investigators described as a violent assault. Authorities say she was attacked with her own sewing machine, then stabbed with a knife and sword that had belonged to her late husband. Evidence collected included bloodstains, footprints, and a palm print on the sewing machine allegedly matching Lauka’s.

Lauka is being defended by Cameron Taylor and Grayson Lindstrom of Metro Public Defender Inc. The case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Allison Eichmann of Douglas County.

On October 3, Lauka’s attorneys filed 14 motions to suppress various evidence, including a request to ban photos deemed too graphic and to avoid using terms like “victim,” “defendant,” or “murder.” Eichmann agreed to some limitations, such as excluding past crimes and religious references, but objected to most of the defense motions. She argued the photos are relevant to proving the murder was intentional and that standard legal terms are appropriate.

The defense’s main challenge targets the palm print evidence, claiming palm print analysis is an unproven and unreliable forensic method. Their motion cited research questioning its scientific validity. Eichmann countered that such evidence is long recognized in courts and defended the Oregon State Police analyst’s qualifications.

Judge George Ambrosini will rule on the motions. Lauka has changed attorneys several times since his arrest.

Authorities allege Lauka, described as 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, entered Deane’s home uninvited and fatally attacked her. She was found in a small office with the sewing machine, sword, and knife nearby. An autopsy confirmed multiple blunt-force and stab injuries.

Investigators later located a stolen Toyota Camry tied to Lauka in Josephine County, containing items with suspected blood. Lauka, described as transient with ties to several Oregon counties, was arrested in Tualatin on September 8, 2023.

He has used several aliases, including Sammi Alameer and Michael Eugene West. Jury selection is set to begin February 10, with the trial expected to last about a month.