Man who murdered elderly couple in Queens attempted to steal from their bank account, according to district attorney.
A 42-year-old parolee has been charged with the brutal murder of an elderly couple in Queens, New York, following a thorough investigation that revealed a series of shocking criminal acts. Jamel McGriff, who was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on a 50-count indictment on October 14, faces grave charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping, stemming from the horrific events that transpired on September 8.
Prosecutors allege that McGriff’s violent encounter with Frank Olton, 76, and his wife, Maureen Olton, 77, was marked by shocking brutality. It is reported that McGriff spent approximately five hours in the Oltons’ home, where he engaged in a series of heinous acts. According to Assistant District Attorney John Esposito, McGriff separated the couple and inflicted fatal injuries upon them. Frank Olton was tied to a pole in the basement, where he suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest and neck, resulting in his death. Meanwhile, Maureen Olton was allegedly tied to a chair in the living room, where she was strangled to death. Following these violent acts, McGriff attempted to set the house ablaze in an effort to conceal his crimes, resulting in a fire that left Maureen Olton’s remains nearly unrecognizable.
Prior to the attack, McGriff had reportedly approached the couple under the pretense of being lost and requesting to charge his cell phone. After gaining access, he allegedly attempted to transfer over ,000 from the couple’s bank accounts to his own but was thwarted by bank procedures. Furthermore, he tried to divert funds directly by calling the bank and failing the security verification process.
Post-murder, McGriff embarked on a shopping spree using the victims’ credit cards. Prosecutors claim that he made significant purchases at various retailers, including Macy’s in Herald Square, where he spent nearly 0. On September 9, he was reported to have deposited the Oltons’ cell phones at a Bronx check-cashing store while using his own identification and subsequently enjoyed a movie in Manhattan, again using the stolen credit cards to purchase snacks.
Law enforcement apprehended McGriff in Times Square shortly after he watched the film. Body camera footage captured him confessing to the crimes, stating, “I admit it. I killed them. I don’t give a f—.” Officers recovered two of Frank Olton’s credit cards and a signed baseball from the couple’s basement at the time of his arrest.
As he faces these grave charges, McGriff has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail. His attorney has indicated a possible future application for bail. If convicted, McGriff could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The case has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and the justice system’s handling of violent offenders.
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