The NYPD released surveillance footage Tuesday of the suspect wanted for setting a Queens home on fire, leading to the discovery of an elderly husband and wife dead inside.
Cops area asking the public’s help identifying the arsonist on the run after sparking the deadly blaze inside the home on 254th St. near 87th Drive in Bellerose about 3:15 p.m. Monday. It appears the fire was set in an attempt to cover up a double murder, though the cause of death for each victim will be determined by a city Medical Examiner autopsy.
Firefighters found the 77-year-old husband dead tied up in the basement while his 78-year-old wife, who neighbors said was mostly housebound, was discovered dead on the first floor. Their deaths have been deemed homicides by the NYPD.
The names of the victims have not yet been released.
“The two of them dead — so shocked to hear that. They were good neighbors and nice people,” neighbor Jay Jose, 57, a hospital administrator, said Monday.
Another neighbor, John Ruiz, called the victims “the nicest neighbors you can ask for.”
“He is the nicest guy,” Ruiz added. “She wasn’t well — she didn’t get out much. She had trouble walking.”
The suspect is described as in his 30s with a dark complexion and medium build. He was wearing a black hat, black jacket, blue jeans and black sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
