Police: Person of interest held in Arlington Heights double homicide

Arlington Heights police are holding a person of interest in connection with their investigation into the killing of a couple found early Saturday inside their home on South Derbyshire Lane, officials said.

Police responded to the home at about 12:32 a.m. after receiving a call in which the telephone line was left open but "no discernible conversation" was imparted, authorities said.

Officers conducted a well-being check at the home and found two people. Arlington Heights Fire Department paramedics determined both victims were beyond medical attention, police said.

Police did not release the identity or ages of the victims or comment on any relationship to the person of interest in custody. But the Cook County medical examiner's office Saturday night reported that Anne Martin, 71, and David Martin, 72, had lived on the street where police were investigating and were pronounced dead there at 12:55 a.m. Saturday.

Autopsies are scheduled today.

Detectives and forensic technicians are in the preliminary stage of "a very complex investigation" supported by the Major Case Assistance Team, police said.

Deputy Chief Nathan Hayes said both victims lived in the house, but he would not confirm whether anyone else lives there. He also wouldn't say how they were killed, where they were found or if they were found together.

"We don't believe there's any threat to the public," he said. "We want to reiterate that evidence suggests this incident is contained and there is no further risk to the community."

A longtime neighbor, Madeleine Gerrish, described the Martins as "super nice people." She said David Martin was a Vietnam veteran, and the couple had been living in their home for more than 25 years.

Neighbors said Anne Martin was a retired teacher.

Police said no charges will be filed before the autopsy, which the medical examiner's office is scheduled to perform Sunday to determine the cause and manner of death.

Investigators were still at the crime scene late Saturday afternoon and police had blocked off entry to Derbyshire Lane to anyone other than neighborhood residents.

No further information was being released Saturday.

• Staff writer Steve Zalusky contributed to this report