September 8, 2023 6:20 a.m.

A Washington County man has been charged in connection with the murder of an Oakland area woman last month.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said through the course of the investigation, detectives identified 45-year old Dwayne Michael Lauka as a suspect in the death of 78-year old Terry Lea Deane.

Lauka was arrested on Friday in Tualatin by Douglas County detectives with the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Tualatin Police Department.

Lauka was transported to the Douglas County Jail and is charged with second-degree murder. Additional charges are expected in the coming days.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said with Lauka’s arrest, detectives are now urging anyone with information about Lauka or his movements between August 11th and September 8th to contact them at 440-4458 or by emailing: dcso.pio@co.douglas.or.us.

O’Dell said Lauka is a transient from the Washington County area with ties to the greater Portland area as well as Douglas and Lane counties. He has several aliases including: Sammi Alameer, Jason Myers, Dwayne Lauk, Dwayne Michael Luaka, Dwayne Michael Alshargabi and Michael Eugene West.

Deane was 78 years of age. She was found deceased at a residence in the 400 block of Coltrin Lane on Saturday August 12th. Since that time, the Douglas County Major Crimes Team has been actively investigating the case.

O’Dell said no further details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.