September 12, 2025 NEW YORK — A multi-day manhunt ended with the arrest and subsequent indictment of a career criminal accused of the gruesome torture and murder of an elderly Queens couple. Jamel McGriff, 42, now faces a slew of charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and arson, for the deaths of 76-year-old Frank Olton and 77-year-old Maureen Olton.
A Manhunt and a Trail of Disturbing Clues
McGriff's arrest came Wednesday evening in Times Square, a dramatic conclusion to an intense search that began after the horrific crime. Investigators believe McGriff spent five hours inside the Oltons' home on Monday before setting it on fire, allegedly with the couple still inside.
Initial reports suggested Frank Olton may have let the suspect into the home, but new surveillance video evidence paints a more sinister picture. Detectives now believe McGriff took advantage of Olton's kindness, pushing his way into the house after being told to wait by the gate. Audio from the video allegedly captures Olton ordering the suspect to "get the f- out of here."
The victims' family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time, released a photo of the couple, offering a glimpse into the lives of the two people so brutally taken.
A Blatant Path of Identity Theft
In a move that stunned investigators, McGriff allegedly used the victims' credit cards in the hours following the murders, leaving a clear and traceable path.
According to details from his arraignment, McGriff was captured on video going directly to Macy's after the crime. There, he allegedly used Frank Olton's credit card to buy over $500 in luxury clothing. In a brazen act of self-incrimination, he reportedly used his own Macy's rewards account number, tied to his own name, for the transaction.
His trail of misuse continued, with video showing him at a Regal movie theater, relaxing in a recliner and watching a film after purchasing tickets with the same stolen credit card.
