Arlington Heights police investigating two deaths at motel

Arlington Heights police are investigating the deaths of a man and woman whose bodies were found Thursday afternoon at a hotel on the village's south side.

The bodies were found at the Motel 6, 441 W. Algonquin Road, where a large police presence included a van from the Major Crimes Task Force and helicopters. Police also appeared to be paying special attention to an SUV in the motel's parking lot.

Police were seen digging through garbage containers outside.

Delta Dawn Bensley and Gregory Ross, who are staying at the Motel 6 as they wait for their home to be ready in Arlington Heights, told reporters at the scene that police blocked off portions of the building for their investigation and questioned them.

"A couple cops over there are going through the trash cans looking for the murder weapon," Bensley said.

"It's crazy because we're like, 'Is it safe for us to stay here?'" she said.

Police did not say Thursday night whether foul play was involved.

"I work here in Arlington Heights, and really Arlington Heights is a great town," Ross said. "And that's where our housing is going to be."

"I have a teenage daughter that stays with us. It's scary," Bensley said. "It's scary, because I don't want her to come out here on her own."

Police have cordoned off a large section of the motel complex, but the hotel continues to operate, ABC 7 reported.

"I need to get out of here, so we're making arrangements, actually," Deya Suarez, a hotel guest, told ABC 7. "I didn't really feel it was dangerous around here, so it is a cause for concern."

Deputy Chief Mike Hernandez said the investigation is ongoing and information is very preliminary.

• Daily Herald staff photographer Mark Welsh and staff writer Doug T. Graham contributed to this report.