QUEENS, N.Y. – The NYPD has launched an urgent manhunt after identifying the victims of a brutal double homicide in Queens as Frank and Maureen Olton, an elderly couple beloved in their Bellerose neighborhood. The pair were found dead inside their home on Monday afternoon, after a fire ripped through the residence in what authorities now describe as a deliberate attempt to cover up a crime.
Police say the suspect, 42-year-old Jamel McGriff, is a convicted robber with a violent criminal past. He is considered “armed and dangerous” and remains at large.
The Crime That Shook Bellerose
The nightmare began around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8, when first responders were called to a house fire on 84th Avenue near 249th Street in Bellerose, a residential area just two miles from the famed Belmont Park racetrack.
When firefighters extinguished the flames, they made a grim discovery: the bodies of Frank Olton, 76, and his wife, Maureen, 77, inside the burned home. Their deaths were quickly deemed suspicious, and the NYPD’s homicide squad took over the case.
On Tuesday, investigators revealed chilling details: the couple had allegedly been targeted by McGriff, who talked his way inside by claiming he needed to charge his phone. Once inside, police say, McGriff killed the couple before setting the home on fire.
A Suspect With a Violent Past
At a press conference, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the suspect as Jamel McGriff, whose criminal history dates back decades.
McGriff spent 16 years in state prison for armed robbery and has been linked to a string of serial robberies in recent years. His release from prison was followed by repeated arrests, but Tisch emphasized that this crime represents an alarming escalation.
“This individual should be considered armed and dangerous,” Tisch warned. “We are asking the public to remain vigilant and to call police immediately if they have any information about his whereabouts.”
McGriff is described as about six feet tall with a medium build. His photo has been widely distributed throughout New York City and the surrounding areas.
Remembering Frank and Maureen Olton
The violent deaths of the Oltons have left neighbors stunned and heartbroken. The couple, married for more than 50 years, were known as kind, warmhearted, and deeply connected to their community.
“They were inseparable,” said one neighbor. “You’d always see them sitting on their porch together or walking to the store. Everyone here knew them, and everyone is devastated.”
Longtime residents described the Oltons as “the heart of the block” — always quick with a wave, a friendly word, or an offer to help.
Their deaths mark one of the most shocking crimes the quiet neighborhood has seen in years, with many residents now shaken by the thought that such violence could reach their doorsteps.
Investigation Underway
Detectives believe robbery may have been the motive, though they have not ruled out other possibilities. The Arson and Explosives Unit is investigating the fire, while homicide detectives and the Queens District Attorney’s Office are piecing together McGriff’s movements before and after the killings.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the area and interviewing witnesses who may have seen McGriff in the neighborhood.
The home remained cordoned off Tuesday as investigators searched for additional evidence.
Public Appeal
The NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
- Tip Line: Call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)
- Online: Submit tips at NYPD Crime Stoppers website
- Anonymous: All tips can be given anonymously
“We will not rest until this suspect is located and brought to justice,” Commissioner Tisch said.
A Neighborhood in Mourning
While the investigation continues, the focus for many remains on Frank and Maureen. Their deaths serve as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities elderly residents face and the devastation left behind by repeat violent offenders.
“We’re going to miss them so much,” said another neighbor. “They were family to this street. This is a hole that can’t be filled.”
Funeral arrangements for Frank and Maureen Olton have not yet been announced.
The Larger Picture
The killings have reignited concerns over how New York handles violent repeat offenders. McGriff’s long record — and his ability to walk free despite repeated arrests — has drawn criticism from community leaders who argue that the justice system failed to protect vulnerable residents like the Oltons.
For now, however, the community’s focus is on mourning a beloved couple — and hoping police catch the man accused of taking their lives.
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