Welfare Check Finds Two Dead

"Richmond, MI - A 68-year-old married couple was discovered dead in a Richmond Township hotel room Sunday by troopers from the Richmond post of the Michigan State Police.

"Troopers were sent to 36449 Hebel Road for a welfare check and discovered Allen and Lillan Gierke dead of gunshot wounds, according to a release from the MSP.

"Richmond/Lenox EMS also responded to the scene.

"The initial investigation suggests the deaths were a murder-suicide, the release said. Investigators believe medical issues may have led the man to shoot his wife then himself, MSP told the Detroit Free Press.

"According to the Free Press, a trooper discovered mail stacked up outside the home just after 11 a.m. Sunday, opened an unlocked door and found them inside. Sgt. Craig Nyeholt said Allen Gierke had some medical problems that may have contributed to the situation."

Source: The Times Herald...