New York — A 42-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder in connection with the brutal killing of an elderly couple in Queens. Jamel McGriff faces a range of charges after authorities allege he tortured Frank and Maureen Olton, both in their seventies, before setting their home ablaze.
McGriff is accused of entering the Oltons’ residence under false pretenses, leading to a series of violent crimes. The charges against him include two counts of robbery, three counts of burglary, grand larceny, kidnapping resulting in death, and arson, along with additional allegations of identity theft and possession of stolen property. After a lengthy manhunt, McGriff was apprehended in Times Square, where he had sought refuge on Wednesday evening.
At his arraignment late Thursday, McGriff was denied bail. As he was escorted from the 107 Precinct, he evaded questions from reporters, making unfounded claims about the victims instead of addressing the serious charges he faces.
Authorities detailed the sequence of events leading to the couple’s death, stating McGriff spent five hours in their home before allegedly committing the crimes. Initially, it appeared that Frank Olton had invited him inside to charge his phone, but new evidence, including surveillance footage, suggests otherwise. The video reportedly captures Olton asking McGriff to leave moments before the attack, further complicating the narrative of what transpired.
The couple’s family, who has requested privacy during this difficult time, shared a poignant photo of Frank and Maureen, illustrating the tragic loss endured by their loved ones.
In the aftermath of the killings, police garnered further evidence of McGriff’s criminal behavior. Surveillance footage shows him using the Oltons’ credit card for purchases, including $500 worth of luxury items at Macy’s, while also enjoying a movie at Regal Union Square — all transactions that indicate a callous disregard for the couple’s lives.
McGriff is described by law enforcement as a career criminal with a history of offenses spanning three decades, including a conviction for armed robbery that resulted in a 16-year prison sentence. Released in 2023, he now faces the possibility of consecutive life sentences if convicted of the horrific crimes against the Oltons.
As the community grapples with the violence that shattered their lives, investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, determined to secure justice for Frank and Maureen.