Man Confesses to Killing Parents in TV Interview, Cites Mercy Killing

Confession to Parental Homicide

• 👨‍🦳 Lorenz Kraus, 54, confessed in a TV interview to killing his elderly parents in 2017.
• 💔 He stated his motive was to put them out of their misery, citing their declining health and loss of independence.

Details of the Murders

• 💨 Kraus described using his hand to suffocate his father and a rope to suffocate his mother.
• 🚗 He explained his parents were experiencing significant health issues, including vision and hearing loss, and were losing their ability to drive and function independently.

Discovery and Arrest

• 🏡 The parents had been missing for eight years, during which time they continued to collect social security benefits.
• 🔍 Police obtained a search warrant and discovered the remains of his parents in their backyard.
• 🎤 Hours after the discovery, Kraus contacted CBS 6 for an interview, during which he confessed.
• 🚨 Kraus was arrested immediately after the interview concluded, as police were waiting outside.

Legal Proceedings

• ⚖️ Despite his on-camera confession, a public defender entered a not guilty plea for Kraus in court.
• 🧠 Neighbors reportedly described Kraus as having serious mental health issues.