Overview

• Arraigned Tuesday in Queens Supreme Court, Jamel McGriff pleaded not guilty and remains held without bail, with a return date set for Nov. 12.
• The indictment includes first- and second-degree murder, kidnapping, arson, burglary, robbery, identity theft and related charges tied to the Bellerose case.
• Investigators say McGriff spent about five hours inside the Oltons’ home and surveillance with audio captured the husband ordering him to leave as he forced his way in.
• Prosecutors cite a post-crime trail: Macy’s purchases on the victim’s card using McGriff’s own loyalty number, a Manhattan movie outing, device-for-cash deposits using his ID, and failed efforts to transfer over $10,000 from the couple’s bank.
• Police describe McGriff as a level‑3 sex offender with a decades-long record, and prosecutors said in court he was recorded on police body camera claiming responsibility as officers arrested him in Times Square.