A 42-year-old man was charged Thursday with 16 counts of murder and a slate of other crimes after authorities said he stabbed and set fire to an elderly Queens couple, then used their credit cards at a Manhattan movie theater before his arrest.
Jamel McGriff was led from the 107th Precinct in handcuffs to be transported to court following his capture, during which he made baseless public statements alleging the victims were "child molesters," according to video and witnesses at the scene. Law enforcement officials said McGriff is a registered sex offender and a parolee who served more than 16 years in prison before his release in 2023.
Police said the victims, identified as Frank and Maureen Olton of Bellerose, were found inside their modest home Monday after it was set ablaze. Authorities allege McGriff tortured the couple, stabbed them and then set their home on fire. He was later tracked after using the couple’s credit cards to purchase a ticket to a screening of the animated religious film "Light of the World" at the Regal theater in Union Square, according to law enforcement sources.
McGriff faces an array of charges that include murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, arson and identity theft. Prosecutors filed 16 counts of murder because, they said, the killings occurred while he was in the commission of other felonies. He was expected to be arraigned in Queens criminal court on Thursday.
The slayings prompted a citywide manhunt and heavy publicity after police released images and video of McGriff. At the 107th Precinct, roughly 10 community members confronted and heckled McGriff as he was escorted out of the stationhouse. Video and witnesses captured McGriff making the unsubstantiated accusation that the victims were child molesters while members of the public shouted at him.
McGriff’s criminal history and parole status were highlighted by officials as they described the investigation. Details released by prosecutors indicate the identity-theft charge stems from his alleged use of the victims’ credit cards. Police have not released public statements detailing the full sequence of events inside the home beyond charging documents and investigative findings shared with prosecutors.
The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have not indicated any additional suspects. Law enforcement officials are expected to present evidence at the arraignment and in upcoming court proceedings. The Queens district attorney’s office will determine whether to seek additional charges or enhancements as the inquiry continues.
A spokesman for the NYPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Thursday. The investigation has drawn attention from residents in Bellerose and surrounding neighborhoods, where the Oltons were known in the community. Local leaders and residents gathered at the scene earlier in the week as the search for the suspect intensified.
Court records show McGriff was released on parole in 2023 after serving a lengthy prison term; the nature of his prior convictions is part of the public record identifying him as a registered sex offender. Officials with the district attorney’s office and the NYPD said they will provide further details as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.