Police Investigating Possible Murder-Suicide In Frederick County

UNION BRIDGE, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland State Police are investigating a possible murder-suicide in Frederick County Sunday.

Police have identified the deceased as 71-year-old Elliott B. Cheston, Jr. and 72-year-old Cornelia M. Cheston both of the 8700-block of Green Valley Road in Union Bridge.

Just before 11 a.m. Sunday, troopers at the Frederick Barrack received a request from Cornelia Cheston's daughter asking for a welfare check on her mother and stepfather. She said the last time she spoke with them was on April 30.

Troopers responded to the Cheston home and found that it was locked, but they saw one of the couple's dogs dead downstairs.

Police learned that Elliott Cheston was in legal possession of explosives, which may have been kept in the house. The state fire marshal was contacted.

Maryland State Police S.T.A.T.E team forced entry into the home and found dead Elliott Cheston in the upstairs bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Cornelia Cheston was found nearby dead with a gunshot wound.

Three dogs were also found deceased in the home.

The Frederick County State's Attorney's office has been contacted and made aware of this incident. This investigation is ongoing.