New York City police are looking for a parole man who allegedly killed an elderly couple before burning the house.
Investigators said Jamel McGriff spent five hours at home in Frank and Maureen Olton in Queens and burned it to the ground.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said surveillance videos showed him roaming and entering the couple’s backyard before talking to Frank Olton.
Officials say the 42-year-old suspect has a long criminal history and was released in 2023.
Police said the suspect went to the home of Frank Olton, 76, and Maureen Olton, 77, on Monday morning to ask for a place to charge for a cell phone.
Video shows Mr. Alton allowed him to enter the backyard.
Tisch said the suspect left the house about five hours later, holding a duffel bag and a paper bag.
Shortly after he left his home, the city’s fire department was called to the property for a fire.
The couple’s son received an alert about a fire at home through their parents’ home security system.
After controlling the fire, Alton’s body was found.
“Mr. Alton was found in the basement, tied to a pole with multiple stab wounds. Mrs. Alton was severely burned on the first floor,” Tisch said.
“At present, Mr. McGriffe, there is no connection between our suspects and our victims.”
Police said the suspect’s motive was not clear, although they pointed out that he tried to go to another nearby house but was not allowed inside, although at a press conference.
“Mo of the suspect came to the door at the door for some help until he entered,” Tisch said.
“So, don’t allow anyone you don’t know or someone you don’t want to get into your home.”
Police said the suspect was last seen in the Bronx on Tuesday.
The killings shocked the borough.
“It’s some real horror story type,” Jamar Williams, the couple’s neighbor, told the New York Times.
The suspect allegedly robbed 16 years in 2006 before he killed Oltons.
He has also been accused of a few robberies in New York City in recent months.
Tisch said the suspect failed to violate parole in November 2024.
Search for his search in President Donald Trump’s administration’s crackdown on crime.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
