Convicted Murderer Will Not Be Transferred to German Prison
United States Attorney General Eric Holder has approved Governor McDonnell’s request to reverse a controversial request by former Governor Kaine. Craig Carper reports.
Shortly before leaving office, Governor Kaine approved the prison transfer of German native Jens Soering to his home country. After two years of serving in a German prison, Soering would be eligible for parole.
In one of his first acts after taking office, Governor Bob McDonnell sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, revoking Virginia’s consent to the planned transfer.
Yesterday evening, the Governor’s office received approval from Holder, nullifying Kaine’s decision. While Governor McDonnell was unavailable for comment, representatives from his office said he is pleased with Holder’s decision.
Jens Soering was convicted in 1987 of the murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom, the parents of his then-girlfriend, Elizabeth Haysom.
Though Soering initially admitted to killing the Haysoms, he reversed his confession at trial, saying he was trying to protect his girlfriend. Soering, whose father is a German diplomat, maintains his innocence to this day. He is currently serving a double life sentence.
Craig Carper, WCVE News, Capitol Square
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