Overview

• Jamel McGriff, 42, pleaded not guilty to a 50-count indictment that includes murder, kidnapping, arson and burglary, and a judge ordered him held without bail.
• Prosecutors say he forced his way into Frank and Maureen Olton’s Bellerose home on Sept. 8, remained for about five hours, and the couple were later found tied, stabbed and severely burned.
• Investigators cite nearly $800 in purchases at Macy’s using the victim’s card with McGriff’s loyalty number, the victims’ phones cashed in with his ID, and failed attempts to transfer more than $10,000 from their bank accounts during a recorded call.
• Police tracked him through retail and theater surveillance to a Times Square arrest, where officials say he had the victims’ credit cards and made an alleged on‑camera admission.
• Authorities say McGriff is a Bronx resident released from prison in 2023 who was on parole with prior convictions and sex‑offender registration issues; he is due back in court Nov. 12 and faces a potential life sentence if convicted.