Suspect Charged in the Brutal Death and Arson of Elderly Couple

A man accused of brutally murdering and setting fire to an elderly couple has been caught after stealing a Yankees baseball and other valuables from the crime scene. The suspect, Jamel McGriff, 42, was formally charged with multiple felonies, including 13 counts of first-degree murder.

According to authorities, McGriff forcefully entered the home of Frank and Maureen Olton in Bellerose on September 8. During the ordeal, he reportedly stabbed the 76-year-old Frank Olton multiple times while he was restrained in the basement. The attacker also stole a 2001 New York Yankees baseball, which was on display in their home and appeared to have an autograph. McGriff took their credit cards and cellphones, which he later pawned, and used Olton’s credit card to buy nearly $800 worth of clothing at Macy’s, while providing his loyalty number.

After the crimes, McGriff was seen walking away from the scene with a duffel bag. He was eventually apprehended in Times Square on September 10, following surveillance footage from a nearby theater. Authorities found Maureen Olton alive but severely injured; she was discovered in the living room with a fractured larynx, soot inhalation, and other injuries.

McGriff, who has a history of violent crimes with 11 prior convictions, was on parole after serving 17 years for armed robbery and sex offenses. It was also revealed that he had failed to register his address as a sex offender in 2024, despite being under supervision. He now faces life in prison without parole if convicted and is scheduled for court proceedings on November 12.