BELLE ROSE, NY – The serene streets of Belle Rose, Queens, have been shattered by a horrific crime, as police search for a suspect in a double homicide case. Security footage has emerged, providing pivotal insights into the sequence of events.
The footage reveals Jamal McGriff, 42, crossing paths with Frank Bolton, 76, on a quiet Monday morning. McGriff reportedly turned back, requesting Bolton’s help with a dead phone. Displaying neighborly goodwill, Bolton invited him into his home on 254th Street.
Inside, the situation took a grim turn. Authorities report that McGriff allegedly robbed and tortured the elderly couple for hours. Bolton was found in the basement, bound and stabbed, while his wife, Maureen, 78, was discovered severely burned on the first floor. McGriff was seen leaving the house just before it was engulfed in flames.
Their son, an EMT, was one of the first on the scene, only to find his parents had been brutally murdered. Investigators now believe McGriff had been canvassing the neighborhood, attempting to gain entry into other homes before targeting the Boltons.
McGriff’s criminal history is extensive, with charges dating back 30 years. He is currently on parole for a Manhattan assault and is wanted for armed robberies in the same area. Reports suggest he has a violent past, including an incident while detained at Rikers Island.
The Belle Rose community, once a haven of peace, is now gripped by fear and mourning. Neighbors who knew the Boltons describe them as generous and kind-hearted, expressing deep sorrow over their loss. “They were always ready to help anyone,” said one resident.
Family members have taken to social media, expressing their heartbreak and urging authorities to capture McGriff before he causes further harm. As the investigation progresses, the neighborhood remains vigilant, hoping for a swift resolution.