What to KnowAuthorities say a paroled intercourse offender and profession legal killed a Queens couple, then set their dwelling on fireplace and robbed themJamel McGriff faces a slew of costs together with homicide, theft, housebreaking, arson, and kidnapping, in keeping with policeNeighbors reported seeing the suspect across the neighborhood just lately, and police mentioned McGriff had approached a minimum of two houses, saying he was having cellphone points and wanted assist.The 42-year-old parolee allegedly tortured and killed 76-year-old Frank Olton and his 77-year-old spouse, Maureen, then torched their Bellerose dwelling. Frank Olton was discovered tied to a pole within the basement, whereas his spouse was discovered with extreme burns on the primary ground
The person accused of robbing, torturing and killing a Queens couple inside their dwelling earlier than setting it on fireplace was set to face a decide for the primary time within the case after being charged.
Jamel McGriff faces a slew of costs together with homicide, theft, housebreaking, arson, and kidnapping, in keeping with police. He was walked to a ready police automotive together with his arms cuffed Thursday night on his strategy to court docket.
In response to police, officers had been on patrol at West forty fourth Road and Eighth Avenue Wednesday night once they noticed McGriff on the road. The NYPD mentioned his actions and bank card transactions had been being tracked and had been despatched out to all police, which helped the officers determine him and make the arrest following the days-long manhunt.
The 42-year-old parolee allegedly tortured and killed 76-year-old Frank Olton and his 77-year-old spouse, Maureen, then torched their Bellerose dwelling on Monday after conning his manner inside. Neighbors reported seeing the suspect across the neighborhood just lately, and police mentioned McGriff had approached a minimum of two houses, saying he was having cellphone points and wanted assist.
“The suspect claimed that he needed assistance, that his phone battery was dead and he was asking if he could enter the house to charge his phone,” mentioned NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. “At the first house, the suspect is denied entry. He then proceeds to a second incident location.”
The Oltons apparently purchased his story and let him into their yard. Video exhibits McGriff going within the again door of the house, and shortly after, a person’s voice yells out “get the [expletive] out.”
Police mentioned McGriff was inside for about 5 hours, in keeping with detectives, earlier than a digicam captured him leaving with two luggage. Police imagine he could have set the fireplace to attempt to cowl up the killings.
Frank Olton was discovered stabbed and tied to a pole within the basement, whereas his spouse was discovered with extreme burns on the primary ground of the scorched 254th Road residence that they had lived in for many years, in keeping with legislation enforcement sources.
Sources mentioned McGriff had been recognized to detectives, however is believed to have been a stranger to the couple.
It’s believed that each victims had been killed earlier than their dwelling was torched. Fireplace marshals decided the reason for the fireplace to be incendiary, however no additional particulars had been launched relating to the way it was began.
Earlier than his arrest, McGriff was seen early Tuesday attempting to pawn two cellphones at a store on Fordham Street within the Bronx. Legal professional info for McGriff was not out there.
Police mentioned McGriff was out on parole after spending 16 years behind bars for first-degree theft and has a prolonged legal historical past relationship again 30 years that features a number of robberies.
The NYPD added that he didn’t register as a intercourse offender in Nov. 2024 and is needed for 2 latest robberies in Manhattan. McGriff allegedly robbed a Sport Cease retailer in July after which tried to rob a Verizon retailer close to Union Sq. on Aug. 31 till an worker realized McGiff had a pretend gun and fought him off.
