Police in New York are searching for a convicted felon accused of torturing and killing an elderly couple in their Queens home on Monday.
Jamel McGriff, 42, is wanted in connection with the deaths of Maureen Olton, 78 and her husband, Frank Thomas Olton, 76.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, officials responded to the fire Monday afternoon and found the victims dead at the scene.
Frank Olton was found tied to a pole in the basement with a bungee cord and wire. He had numerous stabbed wounds.
Maureen Olton was found on the floor inside the home, badly burned.
FOX 5 New York reports that NYPD said McGriff should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said McGriff’s criminal history spans back 30 years.
In 2006, he was found guilty of robbery, resulting in a 16-year prison sentence. He is also sought for two robberies in Manhattan and for breaching his parole terms.
In November, McGriff failed to register as a sex offender.
“He regularly checked in, and his parole officer was instrumental on two fronts because he identified him for us concerning the robbery that occurred in the 13th Precinct area, involving the Verizon store,” stated NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
On Tuesday, security recordings showed McGriff in the Bronx, where he pawned two watches. The footage later captured him in Queens, dressed in a black hat, black jacket, blue jeans, and black shoes, while carrying a backpack and a paper bag.
The New York Times reports that McGriff walked door to door Monday, asking residents if he could charge his phone.
Security footage showed Frank Olton allowing McGriff into the backyard. Both men then went walked through a back door.
Around five hours later, at 3 p.m., the suspect was seen walking eastbound on 87th Drive.
“The public should be aware,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on Tuesday. “This individual’s method involves going door to door, requesting help to gain entry. Do not let anyone you are not familiar with or not expecting into your home.”
There is no known connection between the suspect and the Olson couple.
Anyone with information is urged to contact 911.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: NYPD]
