On the afternoon of Thursday, June 14, 1984, a body was seen floating in the Willamette River near the intersection then called NW Davis and Front Avenue in Portland. Two people at the waterfront reported the discovery about 3:30 p.m.; fire and police responded and the deceased was identified as 53-year-old Richard Tauriainen, a Caucasian man and Korean War veteran. He was described as balding with a full mustache and a graying beard.

An autopsy determined his death resulted from traumatic injuries, ruling out accident and turning the matter into a homicide investigation. Tauriainen had been living a transient lifestyle and had lost contact with his family in the years after his military service. No suspect or clear motive has been identified, and the circumstances that placed him in the river remain unknown.

Anyone who knew Tauriainen, saw him in Portland around June 1984, or has information about his movements or contacts is asked to come forward.