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Eugene Police Investigate String of Burglaries Targeting Asian Community

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EUGENE, Ore. — The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is intensifying efforts to combat a series of burglaries targeting Asian occupied residential homes, with a new incident reported in the Bethel area on October 6. Detectives from the Property Crimes Unit are investigating the afternoon burglary, which may be linked to a broader pattern of approximately 21 similar crimes since late 2023. Authorities suspect an organized group, possibly involving foreign nationals, is responsible, with similar crimes reported across Oregon and nationwide. The suspects reportedly surveil victims, pose as delivery drivers or gardeners, and use tactics like signal jammers, power cuts, or high-visibility attire to execute burglaries, often through rear entrances. Stolen items typically include safes, money, and jewelry. EPD has made arrests in past cases, with some suspects linked to crimes in other jurisdictions. A new, similar crime group may now be operating in Oregon. To enhance community safety, EPD urg...
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A Reversed Verdict: Elijah Pruitt’s Murder Case and Return to Lane County Jail

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In Eugene, Oregon, a fatal shooting outside a late-night eatery in 2023 sparked a legal saga that continues to unfold. Elijah Michael Pruitt , now 22 , was convicted of second-degree murder, only to see his conviction overturned by the Oregon Court of Appeals in August 2025. With charges reinstated, Pruitt is back in Lane County Jail awaiting a new trial, his fate hanging in the balance as of October 7, 2025. This case, rooted in a deadly clash, exposes the fragility of justice and the weight of prosecutorial missteps. The Fatal Night On March 14, 2023, in Eugene’s Whiteaker neighborhood, Pruitt, a 20-year-old supervisor at the Fat Shack restaurant, confronted 19-year-old Fernando Giffen-Vallejo for using nitrous oxide canisters. The dispute spilled onto 13th Avenue, escalating into a brawl. Giffen-Vallejo fought back, before Pruitt, a convicted felon, fired a single shot from an illegal handgun, killing him. Two bystanders were also injured. Arrested on the spot, Pruitt claimed self-d...
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Opinion: Who Bears the Blame for Edward Paul Dungan’s Death?

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By Michael Weber - Mon. September 22nd, 2025 at 12:10pm - Updated Wed, September 24th, 2025 at 12:35pm A Burden of Proof  As the case of Heather Lynn Sutherland unfolds, with her trial looming in Umatilla County, the central question, if it reaches that stage, may not be whether she smuggled methamphetamine into Two Rivers Correctional Institution, but who is truly responsible for her half-brother Edward Paul Dungan’s death on January 8, 2023. The state alleges Sutherland delivered the fatal dose on January 6, 2023, leading to charges of Second-Degree Manslaughter , Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine , and Supplying Contraband . Proving her guilt will be the first hurdle, but the real crux of this case lies in the deeper debate: Is the blame solely on the person who provided the drugs, or does it extend to the prison system that failed to intervene? The Dungan family, led by Christy Running, has been vocal since his death, pointing fingers at the Oregon Department of Corrections...
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Springfield Woman Charged in Half-Brother’s Meth-Related Prison Death

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Pendleton, Ore. -  Heather Lynn Sutherland is currently in custody at Umatilla County Jail in Pendleton, Oregon, following her transfer on September 17, 2025, after an initial arrest by the US Marshals in Lane County . She faces serious charges out of Umatilla County, stemming from allegations that she contributed to the death of her half-brother, Edward Paul Dungan. Sutherland's t otal bail is set at: $500,000 Court records in Case No. 25CR49108 detail charges of Second-Degree Manslaughter, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, and Supplying Contraband to a Correctional Facility. The indictment, filed on September 2, 2025, specifically accuses Sutherland of bringing methamphetamine into Two Rivers Correctional Institution on January 6, 2023, and delivering it to Dungan, leading to his death by overdose on January 8, 2023. She was initially booked into Lane County Jail on September 14, 2025, and is now awaiting trial at Umatilla County Jail. Public records, including Dungan's...
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Springfield Man Arrested for Embezzling $50,000 from Youth Football League

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EUGENE, Ore. — A 38-year-old Springfield man, Ean Douglas Lynum , was arrested on September 10 by the Eugene Police Department’s Property and Financial Crimes Unit following an investigation into the theft of approximately $50,000 from a Bethel area youth football league. Lynum, who served as the league’s treasurer, allegedly drained the league’s entire fund balance, leaving no resources for essential gear for young athletes. The suspect faces charges of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree and Theft in the First Degree. Due to Lynum’s involvement in other sports programs, authorities are concerned about potential unreported cases. Detective Chris White is seeking public assistance and can be reached at 541-682-5376 or Cwhite@eugene-or.gov for any relevant information. Information from EPD Michael Weber, known for his extensive coverage of crime news in Lane County, continues to provide valuable updates to the local community. He runs the largest crime watch group in Lane County,  ...
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