SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The death of a man who was the onsite caretaker of a community garden has been ruled a homicide, Springfield Police said Wednesday.
Police were called to 705 Flamingo Ave., at about 9:30 p.m. Monday. The location is the address of the Food for Lane County Youth Farm, a large community garden. There they found the body of Richard Marshall, 70, who was the onsite caretaker of the garden.
Marshall lived on the property in his RV and had been the volunteer caretaker at the Youth Farm since spring 2011. "Food for Lane County staff was saddened Tuesday morning to learn of the tragic death of Richard Marshall," Food for Lane County said in a statement.
Marshall was last seen alive on Friday morning.
Police said their investigation determined that Marshall's death was a homicide. Members of the Oregon State Police Crime lab also responded to help look for evidence.
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information on any suspicious activity in the area to call Investigations at 541-726-3721.
