Man Accused Of Killing NYC Couple, Torching Home Pleads Not Guilty To Charges

QUEENS, NY — The suspect accused of killing an elderly couple and setting their Queens house on fire last month pleaded not guilty to charges on Tuesday.

James McGriff, 42, has been charged with murder among other charges in a 50-count indictment in connection with the Sept. 8 incident in Bellerose.

McGriff also faces arson, robbery, burglary, grand larceny, kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon, identity theft, and criminal possession of stolen property charges.

The 42-year-old is accused of approaching at least two other homes in the neighborhood saying his phone was dead, and that he needed a charger. When he was denied entry, McGriff proceeded to go to the home of 76-year-old Frank Olton and 77-year-old Maureen Olton.

McGriff set their house on fire after killing them, police said. The 76-year-old man was found tied to a pole in his basement and had suffered multiple stab wounds. His wife was found severely burned on the first floor of the house.

The suspect was arrested in Midtown Manhattan two days after the incident.

Police told reporters that there is video of McGriff going in the back door of the home. The suspect was inside the house for around five hours before leaving with two bags.

McGriff faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top charges. He remains in jail and will be ordered to return to court on November 12.

An investigation remains ongoing.