by Queens, NY – The tragic story of Frank Olton, 76, and his wife Maureen Olton, 77, two beloved residents of Queens, has captured the community’s heartbreak and outrage this week. The couple was found brutally tied up and stabbed in their home in Bellerose, their lives ended in a harrowing crime that shocked neighbors and neighbors alike.
A gripping photo of the elderly couple, obtained for the first time after the incident, brings a human face to this incomprehensible loss and highlights the deep sense of mourning that has settled over the neighborhood.
The Horrific Crime and Its Aftermath
On Monday, authorities discovered the Oltons’ burnt bodies inside their modest Queens home. Their son, an FDNY EMT, was alerted to the fire by the house alarm system, prompting him to notify the police promptly. What unfolded was a tragic scene of violence within what had been a safe haven for the elderly couple.
Police reports reveal that the perpetrator, Jamel McGriff, 42, a known career criminal recently released on parole in 2023, gained entry under the pretense of charging his phone. Instead, he subjected the Oltons to horrific torture lasting several hours, ultimately fatally stabbing them before setting parts of the house ablaze.
Manhunt and Arrest of the Suspect
A swift and intense manhunt ensued following the crime. McGriff was apprehended on Wednesday after investigators traced transactions made using the Oltons’ credit cards, including a purchase at a movie theater. His arrest brought some relief but did not ease the pain of the community.
McGriff now faces 16 counts related to the attack and is awaiting arraignment.
Community Grieves and Demands Justice
In the days following the tragedy, a small memorial of flowers and candles was set up outside the Oltons’ home, a touching tribute to the warm couple taken far too soon.
Neighbor Maryanne Morrison expressed the collective grief and desire for justice, telling,
“There are no words. There really are no words. May he get what he deserves.”
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Key Facts About The Case
- The couple were found tied up and stabbed in their Bellerose home on Monday.
- Their son, an FDNY EMT, was alerted by a home alarm system and notified authorities promptly.
- The suspect, Jamel McGriff, used the couple’s credit cards after the crime, leading to his arrest.
- McGriff was a parolee released in 2023 and faces 16 counts of charges.
- A community memorial has been established in their honor.
This heartbreaking incident has been extensively covered, shedding light on issues of elderly safety and the dangers posed by repeat offenders. For additional details, see the full report by The Post here.
Remembering Frank and Maureen Olton
Frank and Maureen Olton were cherished members of their community, remembered for their kindness and the warmth they brought to neighbors and family. The sudden and brutal nature of their deaths has left a void that many find hard to bear.
What Comes Next?
With the suspect arrested and pending arraignment, the Olton family and the Queens community await justice. This tragic event underscores the need for ongoing vigilance, especially concerning vulnerable populations like the elderly and those at risk of violent crime.
What do you think about this tragedy? Have you or someone you know been impacted by violent crime in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
