Albany Man Charged With Murder After On-Air Confession to Killing Parents and Burying Them in Backyard
ALBANY, N.Y. — A 53-year-old man is facing murder charges after a chilling on-air interview in which he admitted to killing his parents and burying their bodies in the backyard of their Albany home.
On-Air Confession
Lorenz Kraus, 53, pleaded not guilty Friday to two counts of murder and two counts of concealment of a human corpse in connection with the deaths of his parents, Franz and Theresia Kraus, who disappeared without a trace eight years ago.
Kraus gave a shocking interview to CBS6 Albany, in which he described the killings as “mercy” deaths. He claimed his father was unable to drive after cataract surgery and his mother had been injured in an accident.
When asked directly if he suffocated them, Kraus responded, “Yeah, basically.” He further detailed that he choked his father with his hand and strangled his mother with a rope, before burying them days later in the backyard of their suburban home.
Discovery of the Bodies
The case came to light during a financial crimes investigation, when police discovered Kraus had allegedly been collecting his parents’ Social Security benefits for years after their deaths. That probe led to the grisly discovery of their remains earlier this month.
Media Interview Raises Questions
The interview occurred after Kraus emailed local news outlets a rambling, conspiracy-filled statement with his phone number. CBS6 agreed to broadcast his claims in exchange for the sit-down interview, which took place under the watch of a plainclothes police officer in the lobby.
After the taping, Kraus was arrested immediately outside the station and later booked into the Albany County Correctional Facility, where he gave a second interview from behind bars.
Defense Concerns
Public Defender Rebekah Sokol, representing Kraus, raised concerns about the legality of the taped confession, suggesting it could be challenged if the media acted as an extension of law enforcement.
Kraus, once a valedictorian at Siena University, offered bizarre justifications for his actions during the interview, claiming he acted out of duty rather than malice.
Held Without Bail
A judge has ordered Kraus to remain held without bail. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
The case has shocked the Albany community, reopening wounds for neighbors who long wondered what had happened to Franz and Theresia Kraus.
Do you think media outlets should broadcast confessions that may affect ongoing criminal trials? Share your views in the comments on SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
