Queens Double Murder: Suspect Allegedly Set Couple on Fire After 5-Hour Home Invasion

Bellerose Double Homicide Investigation

• 💔 A tragic double murder occurred in Bellerose, Queens, where an older couple was found dead in their home after it was set on fire.
• 🔍 Police are searching for a suspect who they believe spent five hours inside the victims' home before intentionally setting it ablaze, knowing the couple was present.

Suspect Description and Actions

• 🕵️ The suspect is described as a man wearing jeans, a black jacket, a baseball hat, and shoes, carrying a duffel bag.
• 🚪 Surveillance video shows the suspect knocking on the victims' back door, being let in by the 77-year-old man, and leaving around 3:00 p.m., shortly before the fire erupted.
• 📱 Neighbors reported the suspect had been seen in the neighborhood asking for a phone charger, indicating a possible pattern of behavior.

Victims and Discovery

• 👴 A 77-year-old man and his 78-year-old wife, who was housebound, were found deceased in their home.
• 🩸 The male victim was found tied up in the basement with trauma to his body, while his wife was on the first floor; both appeared to have been set on fire.
• 👨‍🚒 The victims' son, an off-duty FDNY paramedic, discovered his parents after neighbors alerted him to the fire.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

• 🕯️ Neighbors have placed candles and flowers at the burned home, remembering the couple as kind and long-time residents of the community.
• ⚖️ Residents expressed shock and disbelief, hoping for swift justice for the victims.
• 🚨 The investigation is ongoing, and the victims' names have not yet been released.