New York City police are investigating a violent crime in which a 77-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman were stabbed and set on fire in their Queens home. Authorities revealed that the suspect approached the victims’ residence on Monday, requesting to charge his phone before entering the house. Surveillance footage captured the suspect knocking on the back door of the Bellerose home around 10:15 a.m., with the 77-year-old victim opening the door and allowing him inside.

The suspect remained in the home for approximately five hours, during which he allegedly stabbed both victims before setting the house ablaze. The woman was found on the first floor with accelerant applied to her body, while the man was discovered tied to a basement column with bungee cords and also set on fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but both victims succumbed to their injuries.

Detectives have identified the suspect, who has a prior criminal record and was released from prison in 2023. Forensic evidence recovered from the scene is being matched against records from the individual’s past arrests. Neighbors reported seeing the man knocking on doors earlier that day, with at least one person refusing to let him in before he reached the victims’ home.

The case has sparked public concern over safety in the area, as investigators work to determine the suspect’s motive and whereabouts.