Queens suspect held after elderly couple slain in fire

Shocking Crime in a Quiet Neighborhood

Authorities have taken into custody a man accused of brutally killing an elderly couple in New York City before setting their home on fire. The crime has left the Queens community stunned and shaken.

Hours Inside the Victims’ Home

Investigators say the suspect, 42-year-old Jamel McGriff, entered the home of Frank Olton, 76, and his wife Maureen Olton, 77, on Monday morning. According to police, he spent nearly five hours inside the residence before leaving with a duffel bag and a paper bag. Moments later, the house was engulfed in flames.

Surveillance and Discovery

Surveillance footage shows McGriff walking through the neighborhood before approaching Frank Olton and being let into the backyard. Later that day, fire crews were dispatched after reports of a blaze at the property. Once the fire was brought under control, the bodies of the couple were discovered inside.

Authorities revealed that Mr. Olton was found in the basement, tied to a pole with multiple stab wounds, while Mrs. Olton was discovered on the first floor with severe burns.

A Suspect with a Troubling Past

Police officials shared that McGriff has a long history of criminal activity. He was released on probation in 2023 after serving 16 years for a 2006 robbery. In recent months, he had also been linked to multiple robberies across New York City.

Additionally, he had violated parole by failing to register as a sex offender in November 2024.

Arrest in Midtown Manhattan

On Thursday, McGriff was spotted in Midtown Manhattan by officers who quickly moved in and placed him under custody. Officials described the swift action as decisive and courageous.

A Pattern of Gaining Entry

Investigators believe McGriff may have been going door-to-door in search of ways to gain entry into homes. On the day of the murders, he had approached the Oltons asking to charge his mobile phone. Authorities said he had also attempted to enter another nearby residence but was turned away.

Officials cautioned residents to be vigilant and avoid letting strangers inside their homes, especially those seeking unverified assistance.

Community in Shock

The murders have horrified the neighborhood, leaving residents shaken by the brutality of the crime. Neighbors described the incident as something out of a “true-crime horror story.”

Unanswered Questions

At this stage, police say there is no evidence of any prior connection between McGriff and the victims, suggesting the encounter may have been random. The motive remains unclear as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic killings.