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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 4, 2007 Mystery of body in freezer deepens Medford resident was cancer patient By Paris Achen Mail Tribune William Blakely Richardson — the likely identity of the body a construction crew found in a freezer at a south Medford home Wednesday — might have had cancer, according to neighbors and employees at an animal shelter where Richardson volunteered. An autopsy to identify the body and determine the cause of death could be conducted as early as today. Police believe the body likely belongs to Richardson, who owned and lived at the home in the 1700 block of Fiona Lane. The corpse was discovered by a construction crew replacing water-damaged drywall in the garage. The body was bound in duct tape and tucked inside an unlocked freezer chest. Advertisement Paul Henry Mahanna, 58, who lived with Richardson in the home, was arrested Wednesday and later indicted on a charge of second-degree abuse of a corpse. He remained lodged in the Jackson County Jail late Saturday in lieu of $500,000 bail. Richardson, who regularly volunteered at the Southern Oregon Humane Society by walking some of the dogs, told employees he was seeking treatment cancer, said Babette Carvalho, the animal shelter's operations director. She said police had not been to her office to interview her. Police would not comment on whether Richardson had cancer, citing the pending investigation. "Part of the investigation is how he died, and we're trying to determine if it is him who died," said Medford Police Lt. Tim George. Carvalho couldn't immediately confirm how long Richardson had volunteered at the shelter. "He was an older guy with time on his hands and willing to give back to the community," Carvalho said. "He was very friendly and sometimes would tell me this or that dog gave me a hard time today tugging on the leash." She said she remembered a day in late 2005 or early 2006 when he came to her office to say he would be out of town for an extended period of time to seek treatment for cancer. "When he came back he had lost all his hair and looked frailer," she said. "He still walked the dogs on the days he was feeling well." She said she later heard a rumor that Richardson had died. Notice of his death or a funeral service, however, could not be confirmed Saturday. Gina MacDonald, Richardson's neighbor and a Mail Tribune advertising representative, said Richardson always wore a big hat or other covering over his head when he worked in the yard. Though she has heard from other neighbors that Richardson had skin cancer, she said she never discussed the matter with him. "It's sad," she said. Richardson and Mahanna moved to the neat, manicured neighborhood on Fiona Lane about two years ago from the San Francisco Bay area, MacDonald said. "They were very close," she said. Other neighbors said both men were quiet and kept to themselves. "They were good neighbors," said one neighbor who declined to give his name. Richardson was known to bake dog biscuits and take them to the animal shelter, MacDonald said. "He loved dogs," she said. That included MacDonald's cream-colored bulldog, Chloe. "He would pet her and give her treats whenever we walked by," MacDonald said. "He loved her." Reach reporter Paris Achen by calling 541-776-4459 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Entertainment Guide Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Men's Clothing Debt Help