A man with a lengthy criminal history is accused of the brutal murder of an elderly couple in Queens, who were known to be incredibly kind. A neighbor recounted how this individual had exploited the couple’s goodwill, terrorizing them for hours.
Jamel McGriff, 42, approached residents in the Bellerose neighborhood on a recent Monday, inquiring if he could come inside to charge his phone. He was turned away, but eventually encountered Frank Olton.
According to a neighbor, McGriff seemed anxious, spending around 20 minutes lurking in his backyard before entering the couple’s home.
Hours later, Frank was discovered dead, tied up in the basement, with signs that he had been stabbed and burned. On the floor above, authorities found the charred remains of his wife, Maureen Alton.
This double homicide has shaken the usually safe community, prompting residents to question how McGriff, who did not register as a sex offender as required, remained a free man despite being a suspect in two robberies.
When the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision was asked about the case, they had little to say. McGriff, a registered sex offender with a troubling past, was still at large as of Wednesday afternoon.
Security footage showed Frank speaking to McGriff for a few minutes before they entered the yard together at around 10:15 a.m. It appeared that Maureen also came out to see what was happening. After the couple went inside, McGriff returned to his own yard.
One neighbor noted McGriff stood outside for about 20 minutes before finally going inside. He only reappeared around 3:10 p.m., just before the fire started.
Law enforcement indicates that McGriff likely held the couple captive for several hours. Frank was tied up while Maureen was found on the ground level, both having suffered stab wounds, and he apparently set the fire.
Another neighbor reflected on Frank’s character, noting he was a social worker likely compelled to help someone in need, which made the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Witnesses reported McGriff had also asked other neighbors for phone charging access before the incident, reinforcing his manipulative behavior.
McGriff’s criminal past includes a 17-year sentence for robbery and assault, but after his release in 2023, he failed to register as a sex offender and was linked to other robberies without facing legal consequences.
The Department of Corrections stated that their investigation teams are collaborating with the NYPD to locate McGriff, but they have not addressed specific inquiries regarding his status.
Meanwhile, friends and family remember Maureen as a helpful and caring neighbor who was always there for others during difficult times.
Oren Baltzilai, a representative of the paramedics’ union, mentioned he spoke with the couple’s son, who is currently receiving support from family and friends following this tragic event.
Tom Dillon, Maureen’s cousin, expressed the family’s shock and sorrow, stating they were truly among the kindest individuals one could meet.
