Bellerose, NY – Authorities are urgently searching for 44-year-old Jamel McGriff of the Bronx, a career criminal accused of fatally attacking a senior couple and setting their home ablaze on Monday afternoon.
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Tragic Discovery
Firefighters responded to a fire at 87-86 254th Street around 3:20 p.m. on September 8. After extinguishing the flames, crews made a horrifying discovery: the bodies of 77-year-old Frank Olton and his wife, Maureen Olton, found deceased inside their residence.
Preliminary reports suggest both victims suffered multiple stab wounds, and Frank Olton’s body had been set on fire. The Chief Medical Examiner is expected to release an official cause of death following further investigation.
Timeline of Events
At a press conference Tuesday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch outlined a chilling sequence of events. Surveillance footage shows McGriff interacting with Frank Olton around 10:18 a.m., after which he was allowed into the backyard of the home. The suspect is next seen leaving the residence at 3:08 p.m., only 14 minutes before firefighters were called to the blaze.
“This is a dangerous individual with a violent history,” Commissioner Tisch said. “Do not allow strangers into your home under any circumstances.”
A Violent Past
McGriff has a lengthy criminal record spanning 30 years, including a 2006 first-degree robbery conviction for which he served over 16 years. He was on parole at the time of the attack and had failed to register as a sex offender in 2024. Authorities also suspect him in two recent Manhattan robberies.
Citywide Manhunt
The NYPD has launched an extensive citywide manhunt for McGriff. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (Spanish: 888-57-PISTA), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or messaging @NYPDTips on X. All communications are confidential.
Community in Shock
Neighbors and friends expressed shock and horror over the brutal attack on the elderly couple. Many described Frank and Maureen Olton as kind, gentle, and deeply respected members of the Bellerose community.
Authorities are appealing to the public for vigilance and cooperation as they work to locate McGriff before he can allegedly harm anyone else.