Fugitive Arrested in Queens Double Homicide After Using Victims’ Credit Cards

New York City — Authorities have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the shocking murder of an elderly couple in Queens, two days after the incident, police said.

Jamel McGriff, 42, was apprehended Wednesday in Midtown Manhattan after reportedly using his victims’ credit cards, law enforcement sources confirmed. McGriff is accused of killing Frank and Maureen Olton, both in their late 70s, and setting their Bellerose home on fire earlier this week.

UPDATE: Jamel McGriff was taken into custody a short time ago by the NYPD.

He was spotted in Midtown Manhattan by eagle-eyed cops who didn’t hesitate before jumping into action.

Thank you to the best detectives and the best cops in the world for their work tracking and… https://t.co/dS7F8iBRIp

— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) September 10, 2025

Police say McGriff used the stolen credit cards to buy movie tickets at a Times Square cinema and had previously pawned two cell phones in the Bronx. He was spotted by officers in Midtown, who acted immediately to detain him.

“Thanks to the dedication and sharp eyes of our detectives and officers, this dangerous individual is now in custody,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

According to Police sources, McGriff allegedly terrorized the Oltons for several hours after entering their home around 10:15 a.m. on Monday. Frank Olton was found deceased in the basement, tied to a pole and set on fire, while Maureen Olton was discovered dead on the first floor.

The suspect has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for robbery, sexual assault, and other violent offenses. He was released on parole in 2023 after serving nearly 17 years of a 20-year sentence. Officials noted that McGriff had failed to register as a sex offender this year, raising questions about parole monitoring.

Authorities are also investigating his possible involvement in two recent incidents this summer, including a reported armed threat at a Verizon store in August and a robbery at a Harlem GameStop in July.

Neighbors reported seeing McGriff enter the Oltons’ property earlier on the day of the attack, with video surveillance suggesting he spent several hours inside before leaving prior to the fire.

Charges are pending, and the NYPD continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the brutal slaying.