New York manhunt: Double murder suspect set house fire with victims inside, NYPD says
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.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said McGriff went to the Olton’ home asking for assistance. Surveillance video shows 76-year-old Frank Alton 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 a home near 200th Street and 87th Drive in Bellerose.
Officials say flames started on the first floor and quickly spread through the house. About 60 firefighters responded and brought the fire under control within an hour.
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.
Officials say their son, an FDNY EMT, was alerted to the fire by the home’s ADT alarm system and responded to the scene.
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