ARRESTED: Queens Man Charged in Brutal Slaying of Elderly Couple, Setting House Ablaze

September 11 2025 QUEENS, New York – A Queens man has been charged in the murder of an elderly couple whose Bellerose home was set on fire after the killings, police said.

Jamel McGriff, 42, was arrested on September 10, 2025, and charged Thursday at the 107th Precinct with the murders of 76-year-old Frank Olten and 77-year-old Maureen Olten.

According to investigators, one victim was found stabbed and tied to a pole in the basement, while the other was discovered on the first floor with severe burns after the house was set ablaze. Detectives say McGriff used the victims’ credit cards after the killings, which helped lead to his arrest.

McGriff, a registered sex offender with a lengthy criminal record, shouted incoherent accusations at the victims as he was led out of the precinct in handcuffs.

He faces multiple murder charges in connection with the attack

On September 9, 2025, QUEENS, New York – Authorities were searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly house fire that killed two people in Bellerose, Queens.

According to the NYPD, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at approximately 3:21 p.m., a 77-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman were inside their residence at 254th Street when suspect entered the home and set it on fire.

The FDNY responded and extinguished the blaze, while EMS pronounced both victims dead at the scene. Police later reported that the remains of the male victim were found tied to a pole in the basement.

Investigators released surveillance footage of a man they believe is responsible. He is described as being 30 to 40 years old, medium build, with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a black hat, a black jacket, blue jeans, and black sneakers.