Bronx Man Faces Life Imprisonment for Brutal Murder of Elderly Couple and Theft of Yankees Memorabilia

A 42-year-old Bronx resident has been charged with the brutal murder of an elderly couple during a home invasion in Queens, New York. Jamel McGriff allegedly killed Frank Olton, 76, and Maureen Olton, 77, on September 8, prosecutors announced Tuesday.

According to authorities, McGriff broke into the couple's residence in the Bellerose neighborhood, where he remained for approximately five hours. During this time, he allegedly tortured the victims before murdering them and setting the house ablaze. Among the items stolen was a valuable autographed 2001 New York Yankees baseball from the victims' display collection.

Following the murders, McGriff reportedly used the couple's credit cards at a Macy's store in Herald Square, spending approximately $796.10. Investigators noted he provided his own loyalty number during the transaction, as reported by The New York Post.

Prosecutors stated that McGriff attempted to withdraw over $10,000 from the Oltons' bank accounts before embarking on a shopping spree with their credit cards, though these withdrawal attempts were unsuccessful.

Officials further revealed that McGriff pawned Frank Olton's two cellphones at a check-cashing establishment in the Bronx and used stolen funds to watch "Light of the World," a 2-D animated Jesus film, at the Regal Union Square theatre.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they discovered Maureen's severely burned body on the first floor, while Frank's body was found in the basement, chained and stabbed. Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set, presumably to conceal evidence of the crime.

At the time of the murders, McGriff was on parole after serving a lengthy prison sentence for armed robbery and sexual offenses. His criminal record includes 11 prior convictions, several of which were serious offenses. Additionally, he failed to register as a sex offender in 2024 as required by law.

Police arrested McGriff on September 10 near Times Square after identifying him through CCTV footage from the theatre. During his arraignment last month, prosecutors revealed the horrifying detail that Maureen Olton was still alive when McGriff allegedly set fire to the residence.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that McGriff faces 50 charges, including multiple counts of identity theft, robbery, arson, kidnapping, and first-degree murder. The DA described the case as "cold-blooded and calculated" and requested patience as investigators continue building their case.

McGriff has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held without bail. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 12.