Albany Man Charged with Two Counts of Murder After Shocking On-Air Confession of Killing Parents and Burying Them in Backyard

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 29, 2025

Albany, NY – In a disturbing turn of events, Lorenz Kraus, a 53-year-old man from Albany, has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of concealment of a human corpse

following his chilling on-air confession to killing his elderly parents and burying their bodies in his backyard. The parents, Franz and Theresia Kraus, had been missing for eight years until Kraus’ bizarre admission brought the case back into the spotlight.

The Bizarre On-Air Confession That Shattered Silence

During an exclusive interview with CBS6 reporter Greg Floyd, Kraus shockingly revealed that he had killed his ailing parents as an act of mercy and subsequently buried them in his suburban backyard. His comments stunned viewers and investigators alike.

“You buried them in the back of your house in Albany?” Floyd asked.
“Yes,” Kraus replied chillingly.

He described suffocating his father with his hand and strangling his mother with a rope after a series of ailments had severely affected their health. This confession was unexpected, especially given that Kraus had been silent about his parents’ disappearance for nearly a decade.

Details Behind the Tragic Deaths and Discovery

Kraus claimed his actions were to relieve his parents’ suffering: his mother was injured in a road accident, and his father was impaired following cataract surgery. He admitted to delaying the burial of the bodies for several days due to uncertainty.

Kraus allegedly collected his deceased parents’ Social Security benefits over the years.
The discovery of the bodies came after a police investigation into financial crimes.
Multiple police vehicles converged on Kraus’ Albany residence following the investigation.

Kraus initially reached out to multiple news outlets with a rambling statement containing conspiracy theories and his phone number. The station secured a rare interview with him, which was conducted under police supervision.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Concerns

In his court appearance, Kraus pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded without bail. His public defender, Rebekah Sokol, raised questions about the legality of the interview, highlighting the possibility that the media could be considered an agent of the police, potentially affecting the admissibility of the on-air confession in court.

“If the media was essentially an agent of police in this matter, that could raise questions about whether Kraus’ comments in the interview would be legally admissible at trial,” said Sokol.

Background on Lorenz Kraus

The accused, described as a former valedictorian of Albany High School and Siena University where he majored in political science, exhibited erratic behavior during the interviews. Kraus fastidiously discussed legal and political topics, including referencing the New York Ratification Law and suggesting the creation of a Board of Trustees for the state.

What’s Next in This Unfolding Case?

With the bodies of Franz and Theresia Kraus now discovered, the legal process is only just beginning. Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding the deaths and financial misconduct. Kraus faces the possibility of a lengthy trial, where his mental state and the validity of his confession will likely be scrutinized.

For a detailed look at the interview and developments, please visit the original reporting source from the New York Post here.

Key Facts at a Glance

Suspect: Lorenz Kraus, 53
Victims: Franz and Theresia Kraus, missing for 8 years
Charges: Two counts of murder, two counts of concealment of a human corpse
Bail: Denied; held without bail
Investigation: Initiated following discovery of financial crimes
Legal Concerns: Possible implications regarding media’s role in the confession

Share Your Thoughts

What do you think about Lorenz Kraus’ chilling on-air confession and the subsequent legal aftermath? Have you ever witnessed a case where a confession played a pivotal role in solving a long-standing mystery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!