ALBANY, N.Y. — Lorenz Kraus, a 53-year-old man, admitted to the murders of his parents, 92-year-old Franz Kraus and 83-year-old Theresia Kraus, in a live television interview that aired this Thursday. The confession, described as shocking, unfolded as part of a police investigation into the financial irregularities surrounding the couple's Social Security payments, which continued even after they had not been seen for years.
During a half-hour interview with CBS6, Kraus explained that he viewed the deaths as mercy killings for his aging, ailing parents, stating that they were aware their time was coming to an end. Kraus hesitated before fully admitting to the killings, but ultimately proclaimed, 'I did my duty to my parents. My concern for their misery was paramount.'
Immediately after the interview, Kraus was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, though during his court appearance he maintained a not guilty plea through his public defender. As part of the pre-arrest investigation, police had recovered two bodies from Kraus's backyard, believed to be that of his parents.
The circumstances leading to the confession began when Kraus reached out to local media with a two-page statement revealing crucial details about the situation. News director Stone Grissom confirmed that he contacted Kraus to verify his identity, during which Kraus invoked his right to remain silent regarding the killings before eventually agreeing to the interview. Grissom had taken precautions for safety, ensuring there was a police presence during the interview.
Assistant Public Defender Rebekah Sokol expressed concerns about the legality of the statements made during the broadcast, questioning whether media involvement compromised Kraus's rights. The investigation into the financial crimes, prompted by Kraus's ongoing collection of his parents' Social Security payments, is ongoing. Positive identification of the bodies discovered is still pending.
During a half-hour interview with CBS6, Kraus explained that he viewed the deaths as mercy killings for his aging, ailing parents, stating that they were aware their time was coming to an end. Kraus hesitated before fully admitting to the killings, but ultimately proclaimed, 'I did my duty to my parents. My concern for their misery was paramount.'
Immediately after the interview, Kraus was arrested and charged with two counts of murder, though during his court appearance he maintained a not guilty plea through his public defender. As part of the pre-arrest investigation, police had recovered two bodies from Kraus's backyard, believed to be that of his parents.
The circumstances leading to the confession began when Kraus reached out to local media with a two-page statement revealing crucial details about the situation. News director Stone Grissom confirmed that he contacted Kraus to verify his identity, during which Kraus invoked his right to remain silent regarding the killings before eventually agreeing to the interview. Grissom had taken precautions for safety, ensuring there was a police presence during the interview.
Assistant Public Defender Rebekah Sokol expressed concerns about the legality of the statements made during the broadcast, questioning whether media involvement compromised Kraus's rights. The investigation into the financial crimes, prompted by Kraus's ongoing collection of his parents' Social Security payments, is ongoing. Positive identification of the bodies discovered is still pending.
