Manhunt underway for suspect accused of killing elderly couple in NYC

NEW YORK (NewsNation) — Police are searching for a man accused of torturing and killing an elderly couple before setting their New York City home on fire Monday, according to the New York Police Department.

NYC police Commissioner Jessica Tisch identified the suspect as 42-year-old Jamel McGriff, who is considered to be armed and dangerous and has a criminal history spanning 30 years.

Police are searching for Jamel McGriff, 42, who they say has a lengthy criminal history, including two recent robberies in Manhattan in July and August. (New York Police Department)

McGriff previously spent more than 16 years in prison for two violent armed robberies in 2005. He was subsequently charged with failing to register as a sex offender, which was a parole violation, and with robberies at a GameStop and Verizon store this summer.

He was last seen in the city's Bronx borough attempting to pawn off cellphones, police said.

Victims did not appear to know suspect: NYPD

The victims, identified as 76-year-old Frank Olton and 77-year-old Maureen Olton, were killed after allowing the suspect into their home when he asked to charge his phone, police said.

Surveillance footage shows the suspect going door-to-door in the Queens neighborhood. Authorities said McGriff was denied entry into the first home he attempted to enter, and footage later shows the Oltons letting him into their home.

Nearly five hours later, McGriff was seen leaving the house, police said, and about 15 minutes after that, flames engulfed the home.

"Mr. Olton was found in the basement, tied to a pole with multiple stab wounds. Mrs. Olton was found on the first floor, severely burned," Tisch said Tuesday. "At this time, there is no known connection between Mr. McGriff, our suspect and our victims, beyond this chance encounter."

What we know about the victims

The Oltons were both retired. Maureen Olton was a school teacher, and Frank Olton was a social worker.

The couple's son, a paramedic for the New York City Fire Department, was among the first responders at the scene.