QUEENS, N.Y – Police are urgently searching for 44-year-old Jamel McGriff of the Bronx, a career criminal accused of murdering a senior couple in Bellerose and setting their home ablaze on Monday afternoon.
Authorities said firefighters responded to a fire at 87-86 254th Street around 3:20 p.m. on Sept. 8. After extinguishing the flames, crews discovered two elderly victims dead inside the residence, identified as 77-year-old Frank Olton and his wife Maureen Olton
At a press conference Tuesday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a chilling timeline. Surveillance video shows McGriff interacting with Frank Olton around 10:18 a.m. and being let into the home’s backyard. The suspect is next seen leaving the residence at 3:08 p.m., just 14 minutes before firefighters were called to the blaze.
While the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death, reports suggest the couple suffered multiple stab wounds, and Frank Olton’s body had been set on fire.
Commissioner Tisch described McGriff as having a “lengthy rap sheet” spanning 30 years, including a 2006 first-degree robbery conviction for which he served over 16 years. He is currently on parole and is also wanted for failing to register as a sex offender in 2024. Additionally, McGriff is a suspect in two recent Manhattan robberies.
“This is a dangerous individual with a violent history,” Tisch warned. “Do not allow strangers into your home under any circumstances.”
The NYPD has launched a citywide manhunt for McGriff and is urging the public to come forward with any information.
Anyone with tips is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (Spanish: 888-57-PISTA), visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or message @NYPDTips on X. All calls and messages will remain confidential.
Leave a Reply