A massive manhunt is underway for a violent sex offender and career criminal suspected of torturing and killing an elderly Queens couple before setting their home ablaze in what police called a “horrific double homicide, robbery and arson” that has shattered one of New York’s safest neighbourhoods.
Jamel McGriff, 42, remains at large after the brutal murders of Frank Olton, 76, and his wife Maureen, 77, whose bodies were discovered Monday afternoon in their burning Bellerose home. The suspected killer, who has a criminal record spanning three decades, allegedly tricked his way into the couple’s property by claiming his mobile phone needed charging before spending nearly five hours inside carrying out the vicious attack.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch warned the public that McGriff is “armed and dangerous” and revealed his disturbing method of operation at a Tuesday press conference. “The suspect’s MO is to go door to door, asking for some kind of assistance until he can gain entry,” she stated. “Do not allow someone you don’t know or someone you’re not expecting into your home.”
Brutal Details of Attack Emerge
The horrifying scale of the violence became clear as authorities detailed how the victims were found. Frank Olton’s body was discovered in the basement, tied to a support pole with bungee cords and suffering from multiple stab wounds. His wife Maureen was found on the first floor severely burned, with accelerant apparently poured on her body to start the fire that engulfed their home.
Surveillance footage captured McGriff approaching the Oltons’ home on 254th Street around 10.15am Monday morning, after first attempting to gain entry to a neighbour’s property by asking to charge his phone. That homeowner turned him away, but Frank Olton allowed McGriff into the backyard before both men were seen entering through the back door.
McGriff remained inside for nearly five hours, allegedly torturing the couple and ransacking their home. He was next seen on camera leaving at approximately 3.08pm, carrying a paper bag and duffel bag whilst wearing a black hat, black jacket, black sneakers and dark blue jeans. Minutes later, smoke began billowing from the property.
Son’s Tragic Discovery
In a cruel twist, the couple’s son, an active duty paramedic with the New York City Fire Department, was the one who raised the alarm. He called 911 after receiving an alert from his parents’ ADT home security system about a fire at their property. The devastated first responder was on scene as firefighters battled to control the blaze that destroyed his childhood home.
Once firefighters gained entry to the smoke-filled residence, they discovered the horrific scene inside. Video from the aftermath showed burned furniture moved to the lawn and a poignant reminder of the family that lived there: a baking sheet hanging on the wall emblazoned with “Grandma Kelly’s Pan.”
Fire marshals quickly determined the blaze was intentionally set, though specific details about how it was started have not been released. The exact causes of death for both victims remain under investigation.
Career Criminal on Parole
McGriff’s extensive criminal history has shocked even seasoned investigators. Released from prison in 2023 after serving 17 years of a 20-year sentence, he was convicted for a criminal sex act, burglary, robbery and sex abuse stemming from a violent 2005 crime spree.
According to state correction records, McGriff robbed a 34-year-old at knifepoint on a train in November 2005 and molested a 23-year-old female employee at knifepoint later that same month. He was registered as a Level 3 sex offender, the highest risk category, and was due to remain on parole until at least next year.
Despite failing to register as a sex offender following his release last year, which should have violated his parole conditions, McGriff had been “checking in regularly” with his parole officer, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
Recent Crime Spree
Since his release, McGriff has been linked to at least two armed robberies in Manhattan. In July, he allegedly walked into a GameStop in Harlem armed with a gun and stole cash. At the end of August, he forced a Verizon store employee into a backroom at gunpoint, though the worker realised the weapon was fake and chased McGriff away.
Police said Tuesday that McGriff was last seen on surveillance video pawning two mobile phones in the Bronx whilst wearing a black T-shirt. Investigators believe there was no prior connection between McGriff and the Oltons, describing their fatal encounter as a “chance” meeting that turned deadly.
“At this time, there is no known connection between Mr McGriff, our suspect, and our victims beyond this chance encounter,” Commissioner Tisch confirmed, adding that the randomness of the attack has heightened fears across the normally peaceful neighbourhood.
Community in Shock
The brutal murders have sent shockwaves through Bellerose, a diverse middle-class neighbourhood on the Queens-Nassau County border known for its low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere. With a CAP Index crime score of just 2 out of 10, well below the national average of 4, violent crime is virtually unheard of in the area.
“It’s one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever heard of,” said neighbour Mike Lavore. “That a crime like this could be committed in this area.”
Another resident, Andrea, expressed her newfound fear: “I’m telling my boys now to be vigilant, and it’s heartbreaking. You know, shocking.”
John Ruiz remembered the Oltons as ideal neighbours who participated in community events. “The nicest neighbours you can ever ask for. They came out when the essential workers at 7 o’clock during COVID, they were out with us. He would always wave to us, just this past weekend. It’s sad, it’s really sad, because good neighbours are hard to come by.”
The couple were described as “sweet, normal, down to earth people” who had lived in their white-picket-fenced home for decades, raising their family in what residents considered one of New York’s safest enclaves.
Massive Manhunt Underway
The NYPD and a Regional Fugitive Task Force combining local, state and federal officers are working “around the clock” to locate McGriff. Commissioner Tisch issued a stark public warning about the danger he poses.
“For the public, the message is clear: the suspect’s MO is to go door-to-door asking for some kind of assistance until he can gain entrance,” she stated. “If anyone sees Mr McGriff, please do not approach him and call 911 right away. Again, this individual should be considered armed and dangerous.”
Authorities noted McGriff’s pattern in the two Manhattan robberies involved using what appeared to be a handgun, though in one case it was discovered to be fake. Police are urging extreme caution given his violent history and the brutal nature of the Bellerose murders.
Wider Implications
The shocking double murder comes as the Trump administration seeks to target major Democratic-led cities over what it describes as an increase in violent crime. The case has reignited debates about parole supervision and the monitoring of violent offenders, particularly given McGriff’s failure to register as a sex offender without consequences.
Questions are being raised about how someone with such an extensive violent criminal history, including sexual assault and armed robbery, could be released on parole and allegedly commit such heinous crimes whilst supposedly under supervision.
The NYPD has asked anyone with information about McGriff’s whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). A reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
As the manhunt continues, residents of Queens and beyond are being urged to remain vigilant, keep doors locked, and never allow strangers into their homes regardless of their stated reason for needing help. The brutal murder of the Oltons serves as a tragic reminder that predators can strike even in the safest neighbourhoods.
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