State Drops Challenge in DEA Agent’s Death Case

The state of Oregon will not pursue further review of the case against a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent involved in a fatal collision in Salem in 2023. This decision effectively ends the possibility of criminal prosecution for Samuel Landis in the death of cyclist Marganne Allen. The announcement, made Friday, March 13, follows a December ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upholding the dismissal of a negligent homicide charge against Landis.

The Collision and Initial Charges

On March 28, 2023, Marganne Allen was fatally struck by a truck driven by Samuel Landis while she was riding her bicycle home from work. Landis was surveilling a suspected drug courier at the time of the incident. Allen had the right of way at the intersection of Southeast Leslie and High streets. A Marion County Grand Jury indicted Landis on a charge of criminally negligent homicide in September 2023. The case was subsequently moved to federal court at Landis’ request.

Investigation and Dismissal

An investigation by Salem Reporter, utilizing video from the day of the incident, revealed that Landis was speeding through the neighborhood prior to the crash. Evidence presented during a November 2024 hearing indicated he ran the stop sign at 18 miles per hour after applying his brakes. U.S. District Court Judge Michael McShane dismissed the charge in January 2025, citing Landis’ actions as being within his federal capacity and deemed reasonable at the time, thus entitling him to immunity from state prosecution.

Appeals and State Decision

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the dismissal in December and subsequently declined to review the case further. The Oregon Department of Justice has now decided against taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Officials expressed concerns that a Supreme Court ruling could potentially hinder future prosecutions of similar cases.

Family Statement and Pending Lawsuit

Allen’s family released a statement expressing their disappointment with the outcome and describing the incident as “completely avoidable.” They thanked investigators and those who assisted Allen at the scene. Mark Meleason, Allen’s husband, has filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Landis, the DEA, and the city of Salem, seeking $2.5 million in economic damages. The lawsuit is currently on hold.

Community Impact

The crash significantly impacted the central Salem neighborhood near Bush’s Pasture Park. Neighbors provided immediate assistance to Allen following the collision, staying with her until emergency responders arrived.

Contact Managing Editor Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241. Contact Senior Reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.