A home security camera recorded a distressing moment when an elderly victim, targeted by career criminal Jamel McGriffe, shouted “Get out of here!” as he forced his way into the couple’s Queens residence.
The footage from a neighbor’s camera showed the 42-year-old McGriffe loitering outside the couple’s home in Bellellose on Monday morning.
Frank Alton, 76, was the only neighbor to interact with McGriffe, allowing him into his backyard shortly before 10:15 AM.
A few minutes later, Frank’s wife, 77-year-old Maureen Alton, appeared at the back door and spoke with her husband.
“Get out of here!” was heard loud and clear, reportedly uttered by Frank.
Yet, McGriffe ignored the warning.
According to law enforcement, McGriffe bound Frank, stabbed him, and ultimately set him on fire.
Sadly, both Frank and Maureen endured severe suffering before they succumbed. Authorities noted that Frank’s body was discovered tied to a basement pole, while Maureen was found badly burned on the ground floor.
Witnesses reported that McGriffe left the scene at around 3:10 PM, shortly before flames began to engulf parts of the house.
It’s alleged that the suspect fled the neighborhood, using the couple’s credit card.
Neighbors remarked that the house was still intact and not yet ablaze when McGriffe made his escape.
According to investigations, McGriffe used the stolen credit card at a local cinema with a Macy’s nearby. Using real-time tracking information, law enforcement located him by Wednesday night.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tish tweeted that sharp-eyed officers quickly sprang into action, leading to McGriffe’s capture in midtown Manhattan.
She expressed gratitude for the hard work of the detectives and officers involved in the arrest.
Notably, McGriffe, who has a long criminal record, is also a suspect in two recent robberies in New York City, including a botched attempt at a Verizon store where he was recognized by an employee.
After serving 20 years for armed robbery and other offenses, he had been released on parole in 2023.
