Alleged Murderer Admits to Slaying Elderly Couple in Queens Home
A man accused of killing an elderly couple in Queens reportedly confessed to the crime, but also claimed he had mistreated them.
During court proceedings, he said, “I admit it. I killed them. I killed them. I don’t care. I killed them. I abused them.” His nonchalant demeanor was captured in body camera footage when he was arrested.
Jamel McGriff, 42, appeared in court wearing a white painter’s outfit as prosecutors detailed the shocking events to a crowded courtroom.
One striking revelation was that 77-year-old Maureen Orton, whom McGriff allegedly set on fire at the couple’s home, was still alive during the initial attack. Assistant District Attorney John Esposito noted that her body was “unrecognizable” due to severe burns, and she suffered a crushed larynx.
Frank Orton, 76, was tied up in the basement and repeatedly stabbed. Prosecutors indicated that McGriff set fire to his chest before igniting a blaze upstairs.
After spending about five hours in the couple’s home, McGriff reportedly went to Macy’s, spending $500 on clothing with their credit card and even signed up for a bonus points card in his name.
Authorities said he also watched a film at a local theater shortly after. Eventually, surveillance footage helped capture him in Times Square later that day.
The prosecution described the murder as “random.” Video evidence reportedly shows McGriff eyeing Frank while he worked outside around 10 am on the day of the killings. McGriff had previously approached several nearby homes seeking a phone charger, but was turned away.
Despite Frank rejecting him, McGriff allegedly forced his way into the house through a back door. Witnesses heard Frank telling him to leave.
McGriff had past convictions, including four for violent felonies. He had been released from prison last year after serving 17 years of a 20-year sentence for armed robbery and sexual offenses.
He was on parole but reportedly failed to register his address as a sex offender in 2024, a violation that went unpunished until his recent arrest for the double homicide.
McGriff is now facing 18 charges, including murder, robbery, arson, and identity theft. He will return to court next week.
