A routine request for a welfare check led Ashland Police to the grisly discovery of two bodies on Monday night. Chief Mark O'Hearn told news media his department is investigating the deaths as a possible murder/suicide.

Karen Kimmel, 57, and Donald Ray Erb, 55, who resided at 2031 Walnut St., were pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m. Monday by Schuylkill County Chief Deputy Coroner Dr. Joseph Weber.Ashland Police were dispatched to the home around 9:30 p.m. after a family member expressed concern for the couple. At the home, officers saw a person lying on the floor. After forcing their way into the home, police found the second body.Chief O'Hearn reassured the public there was no general cause for alarm, as "the investigation is continuing and is looked at being a potential murder-suicide."Schuylkill County Coroner Dr. David J. Moylan said autopsies on Kimmel and Erb will be conducted today and Thursday at the Reading Hospital by forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Bindie.Ashland Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Pennsylvania State Police Forensics Unit, who processed the scene, as well as Schuylkill County detectives and Butler Township Police.