NYC Horror: Elderly Couple Murdered, Home Set Ablaze
A horrific double homicide in Queens has shocked New York City. 76-year-old Frank Olton and his wife, 77-year-old Maureen Olton, were found murdered in their home, which was then set ablaze. Frank was found stabbed and tied to a pole in the basement; Maureen was found severely burned on the first floor.
<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/c0f23dc4-5e7a-4566-aaf0-f73694856c6c/queens-house-fire-wabc-jef-250909_1757427376563_hpMain_16x9.jpg" alt="Image of the damaged house">The Suspect: Jamel McGriff
Jamel McGriff, 42, has been arrested in connection with the crime. He was apprehended near Times Square. Police tracked him using his credit card and a real-time critical messaging app that shared his location and photos with officers.
<img src="https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/76f5b030-adbf-4882-92a3-6516136b0380/jamel-mcgriff-ht-jef-250910_1757507055788_hpMain_4x3.jpg" alt="Police handout photo of Jamel McGriff">The Crime
McGriff allegedly posed as someone needing to charge their phone, gaining entry to the Oltons' home. He spent approximately five hours inside, robbing the couple before setting the house on fire. Surveillance footage captured him leaving the scene.
McGriff's History
McGriff is currently out on parole for first-degree robbery and has a lengthy criminal history, including failing to register as a sex offender. He is also a suspect in two Manhattan robberies this summer.
Police Warning
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch warned the public to be cautious and not to allow strangers into their homes. McGriff's method was to approach homes and ask for assistance to gain entry.
The crime is being investigated as a horrific double homicide, robbery, and arson.
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