A Bronx man was officially charged with murder in the deaths of a Queens couple.
Police say 42-year-old Jamel McGriff was charged with 16 counts of murder, three counts of robbery, five counts of burglary, two counts of grand larceny, four counts of kidnapping and two counts of arson among other charges.
About five hours later, McGriff left the home as smoke began to billow inside the house.
The 76-year-old victim, Frank Olton, was found stabbed multiple times and tied to a pole in the basement. His wife, 77-year-old Maureen Olton, was found on the first floor severely burned.
Police say McGriff was living at a men's shelter on Creston Avenue in The Bronx and has a long arrest record for robbery and failing to register as a sex offender.