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'Armed and dangerous' suspect ID’d in Queens fire that killed elderly couple
Police say 42-year-old Jamil McGrith tied a homeowner to a pole, set a fire that killed him and his wife, and then fled with bags from the scene. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force is now involved in the search. FOX 5 NY’s Lisa Evers has the latest details.
QUEENS - Police have identified the suspect in connection to a house fire attack in Queens that killed an elderly couple.
Authorities say they are searching for 42-year-old Jamel McGriff, who is considered to be an armed and dangerous career-criminal with a criminal history spanning 30 years.
What we know:
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said McGriff went to the Olton’s home asking for assistance.
Video shows 76-year-old Frank Olton speaking with him outside before allowing him inside.
Tisch noted there was no prior relationship between the suspect and the victims beyond this encounter.
According to the FDNY, the fire began Monday just after 3 p.m. at the couple's home near 200th Street and 87th Drive in Bellerose.
Their son, an FDNY EMT, was alerted to the fire by the home’s ADT alarm system and responded to the scene.
Officials say flames started on the first floor and quickly spread through the house.
Police find couple tied up
Inside the home, first responders found 76-year-old Frank Olton in the basement tied to a pole with multiple stab wounds.
His wife, 77-year-old Maureen Olton, was found on the first floor with severe burns.
The Oltons had lived in their Bellerose home for decades and raised their family there.
What we don't know:
The medical examiner is still working to determine the exact causes of death.
Suspect failed to register as sex offender
NYPD: Jamel McGriff is a suspect for a double homicide in Bellerose, Queens. He is considered armed and dangerous.If you see him, do not approach and call 9-1-1 immediately. If you have any info, contact @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS.
Investigators say McGriff has a long record of violent crimes, including multiple robbery convictions.
He is currently on parole after serving more than 16 years for a 2006 first-degree robbery and failed to register as a sex offender in 2024.
Police say McGriff is also wanted in connection with two robberies this summer.
Suspect wanted in connection to NYC robberies
On July 12, he allegedly robbed a GameStop on 125th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem while carrying a pistol. On August 31, he is accused of entering a Verizon store on Sixth Avenue, asking to see merchandise, and then forcing an employee into a back room at gunpoint.
Investigators later determined the firearm appeared to be fake.
Police say his parole officer confirmed his identity in both cases.
Police say suspect has rap sheet dating back 30 years
Dig deeper:
Commissioner Tisch urged residents to use caution, saying McGriff often poses as someone seeking help in order to gain entry into homes.
"His method is to go door to door asking for some kind of assistance until he can gain entry. Do not allow anyone you do not know or are not expecting into your home," Tisch said.
Police say McGriff should be considered armed and dangerous. They are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the NYPD.
The Source: This report is based on information from police and the FDNY.