From the Detroit Free Press’ Ben Schmitt and Amber Hunt :

A man and woman who worked at Cheli’s Chili Bar on Adams across from Comerica Park were stabbed to death inside the restaurant around 9 a.m. today, police said.

Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings said, “We believe, just based upon the information right now, that it is a former disgruntled employee that may be responsible for these two murders.”

The restaurant is owned by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios (above). A banner on the outside of the bar thanks Wing Steve Yzerman and bears his number, 19, which is being retired tonight.

The restaurant’s proximity to Comerica Park made it a hot spot during the Tigers’ run for the World Series last summer.

The above story is in no way tied to the blaze that consumed a Chili’s Restaurant within shouting distance of Chez CSTB this past Saturday. It should also be stressed there’s no way to connect the latter incident with anything NHL-related. And I’ve tried.