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NYPD tracks suspect in Queens arson murder using credit card purchases
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 10, 2025
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Brittany Kriegstein / Gothamist
By
Charles Lane
Published Sep 10, 2025
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The NYPD has arrested the man suspected of killing an elderly couple in a Queens house fire that police believe was intentionally set, tracking his clothing purchases and ultimately arresting him in Midtown.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch posted on social media that Jamel McGriff was captured just after 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
“He was spotted in Midtown Manhattan by eagle-eyed cops who didn’t hesitate before jumping into action,” she said.
Authorities said detectives were tracking McGriff’s credit card and were able to identify the new clothes he had purchased. That information was sent to officers’ mobile phones and police located him in the Times Square area, according to an NYPD official.
Tisch accused McGriff of killing Frank and Maureen Olton, ages 76 and 77, whose bodies were found after a fire at their home in Bellerose, Queens. Police said Frank was discovered in the basement and Maureen upstairs. Authorities believe the fire was set deliberately, but the couple’s official causes of death have not yet been released.
Investigators alleged McGriff knocked on a neighbor’s door earlier in the day, asking to charge his phone. Surveillance video captured a man matching his description knocking on the Oltons’ door, according to Tisch.
She said McGriff was inside the home for about five hours before leaving with two bags.
Police did not immediately announce charges, but Tisch said Tuesday that McGriff was wanted for murder, robbery and arson. His attorney information was not immediately available.
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public safety
queens
Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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