Man Confesses to Killing Parents in Shocking TV Interview

A man confessed to killing and burying his parents in their backyard eight years ago during a television interview that aired this week. The confession from Lorenz Kraus, aged 53, took place on October 5, 2023, just moments before he was arrested as he left the television studio in upstate New York.

The startling admission came shortly after police uncovered two bodies at the home in Albany as part of a financial crimes investigation. Authorities had determined that Kraus’ parents, Franz Kraus, 92, and Theresia Kraus, 83, had been receiving Social Security benefits despite not being seen or heard from for years.

In a half-hour interview with CBS6, Kraus described the killings as “mercy killings,” claiming he acted out of concern for his ailing parents. When asked by news anchor Greg Floyd if his parents understood their fate, Kraus replied, “Yes, and it was so quick.” Although initially hesitant to directly admit to the killings, he eventually stated, “I did my duty to my parents. My concern for their misery was paramount.”

Kraus was charged with two counts of murder following his arrest. During a brief court appearance, a public defender entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Kraus did not make any statements during the hearing.

The interview was initiated after Kraus contacted CBS6, sending a two-page statement that included his phone number. News director Stone Grissom verified Kraus’ identity and was shocked by his confession. When asked if he had killed his parents, Kraus invoked his right to remain silent, saying, “I plead the Fifth.”

Grissom stated that he had only ten minutes to prepare for the interview, which he conducted in a secured lobby with a plainclothes police officer present. He remarked on the urgency and surprise of the situation, noting that he had to react in real time to Kraus’ statements.

Following the revelation, Albany County Assistant Public Defender Rebekah Sokol expressed concerns regarding the nature of the interview. She indicated that if the media acted as an agent for the police, this could impact the admissibility of Kraus’ comments in court.

Authorities are working to confirm the identities of the bodies discovered in the backyard, which have been linked to the Kraus family. The investigation revealed that Lorenz Kraus had been misusing his parents’ Social Security benefits for personal expenses.

As this shocking case unfolds, it raises significant questions about accountability, mental health, and the complex dynamics of family relationships. The community in Albany is left grappling with the implications of this tragic situation and the broader issues it highlights.