Albany, New York – A 53-year-old man was arrested Thursday after confessing during a televised interview that he killed his parents and buried them in the backyard of their Albany home eight years ago.
Arrest Following TV Confession
The Albany Police Department reported that officers arrested Lorenz Kraus after he admitted to the killings in an interview.
“I buried them in their property,” Kraus told during the half-hour interview.
When asked if he buried them in the back of his Albany home, Kraus confirmed: “Yes.”
Kraus was taken into custody immediately after the studio interview concluded. He faces two counts of murder and two counts of concealment of a human corpse, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Background: Investigation Uncovers Bodies
Authorities said the arrest stemmed from a financial crime investigation into the parents’ Social Security benefits. A search warrant executed at the home on Tuesday led to the recovery of the bodies of Franz and Theresia Kraus in the backyard.
Police indicated that the couple had not been heard from in years, and suspected that their son was collecting their Social Security benefits for personal use.
Details from the Confession
During the interview, Kraus explained that he killed his parents because they were becoming frail.
“I did my duty to my parents. My concern for their misery was paramount,” he told the news outlet.
Kraus said he strangled his 92-year-old father with his hands and his 83-year-old mother with a rope, claiming he wanted to ease their suffering.
Defense Statement and Legal Considerations
Assistant Albany County Public Defender Rebekah Sokol, representing Kraus, emphasized that he is presumed innocent.
“While the interview from the other night was certainly shocking, I have to question how it occurred, who initiated, and what the police’s involvement was,” she said.
“If a vulnerable individual’s constitutional rights were violated for the sake of ratings, that would be extremely concerning.”
Sokol added that it is uncertain whether the TV interview will be admissible in court.
Neighbor Observations
A neighbor, who requested anonymity, reported noticing the elderly couple disappeared in June 2017. Kraus regularly visited the property, handling mail, mowing the lawn, and shoveling snow. He told the neighbor that his parents had moved to Germany.
The neighbor also recalled suspicious activity, including Kraus discarding large amounts of trash and a noticeable change in the backyard landscape.
“On one hand, I felt that he was psycho,” she said.
“On the other hand, I was thinking ‘how can a child kill the parents?’ It’s just unbelievable. My instinct was right.”
Timeline of Key Events
- June 2017: Kraus’ parents last seen; neighbor observes unusual activity.
- Tuesday, 2025: Authorities execute a search warrant, uncover bodies.
- Wednesday, 2025: Bodies recovered from backyard.
- Thursday, 2025: Kraus gives full confession on WRGB, arrested immediately.
Conclusion
The shocking confession has stunned the Albany community, highlighting the unfolding investigation into financial crimes and long-hidden family tragedy. Authorities continue to review the case as legal proceedings begin.
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