(NewsNation) — A New York City man arrested for allegedly killing an elderly couple and setting their house on fire is facing 16 counts of murder, along with a series of other charges.
On Wednesday, the New York City Police Department announced that Jamel McGriff had been taken into custody following a three-day manhunt. McGriff is accused of killing Frank and Maureen Olton, a couple in their 70s, after entering their Queens home on September 8.
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According to police, McGriff had been knocking on doors asking for assistance when he gained entry to the couple’s home and was seen exiting hours later, carrying two bags. Shortly afterward, emergency officials responded to a fire at the home where the couple’s bodies were found. Police said the exact causes of death are still under investigation, but that Frank Olton was found tied to a pole in the basement with multiple stab wounds.
Police are describing the investigation as a “horrific double homicide, robbery and arson.” Police added that they were able to identify McGriff as the suspect through security footage in the area, as well as a positive identification by McGriff’s parole officer. In addition, police note that they were able to track down McGriff as he was allegedly using the couple’s credit card to go shopping. McGriff has a criminal history that includes convictions for robberies and sexual assault.
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In addition to the 16 counts of murder, police have also charged McGriff with burglary, robbery, arson, grand larceny, kidnapping, identity theft, criminal possession of a weapon and stolen property…