Feds involved in German's double murder case

Posted to: Crime Virginia
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The Associated Press
© March 20, 2010

RICHMOND

The U.S. Justice Department is now involved in the tug-of-war over a German diplomat’s son imprisoned in Virginia for a double murder.

Jens Soering is serving two life terms in Virginia for the 1985 stabbing deaths of his then-girlfriend’s parents, Derek and Nancy Haysom, in Bedford County.

The German government is petitioning the Justice Department to transfer Soering to his native country, according to a justice letter released Friday.

The letter was released by state Sen. Steve Newman, a Lynchburg Republican who opposes Soering’s transfer.

In his final days as governor, Tim Kaine requested that the government allow Soering to be transferred to a German prison. Gov. Bob McDonnell rescinded Kaine’s request.

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Why is Germany seeking his transfer?

Submitted by STK on Mon, 03/22/2010 at 10:08 am.

It's only because he's the son of a former diplomat, but there is no reason an exception needs to be made. They should be embarassed to even be making the request, especially for a murderer. I first went abroad at 13 and was fully aware I was responsible for my actions and was subject to the laws of the countries I was visiting. Being the son of a diplomat, he was afforded the same knowledge- that I am sure.

Sentenced in Virginia for Murder

Submitted by self ed.opine on Sat, 03/20/2010 at 9:42 pm.

This idividual was convicted of a brutal double murder. Serving his time in VA probably means he will never see parole, and that would be justice served. Kaine's use of this case as an international political pawn is inexcusable. It completely overlooks the Haysom's family, their friends, and fellow citizens of Bedford County. It also cheats the rest of America as well.

Hey,how about an ex..

Submitted by Robot Chicken on Sat, 03/20/2010 at 9:40 pm.

change 4 our G.I.'s in that special all american prison in Germany wrongfully imprisoned there??? Time 4 a exchange,perhaps???? NAWWWWW..

Agree with vabeacher - if

Submitted by elizabeths78096 on Sat, 03/20/2010 at 9:18 pm.

Agree with vabeacher - if Americans are arrested in, say Turkey, they are subject to the laws of that country, and if convicted must serve their sentences there. If he cannot do the time, he ought not to have done the crime - and this one was particulary horrible. He and his girlfriend should rightfully have faced the death penalty, but they fled out of the country and the only way to get them back to face justice was to take it off the table, and only go for life in prison. Let him rot there.

Don't want to do the time?

Submitted by Michael_Ragsdal on Sat, 03/20/2010 at 6:18 pm.

Then don't do the crime!

Prisoner transfer

Submitted by vabeacher2009 on Sat, 03/20/2010 at 5:38 pm.

German Government want to transfer convicted double murderer back to his native Country, where he could be free within 5 years. Let him do his time in Virginia where he was lawfully arrested, sentenced & convicted. Germany can have him back, AFTER he has served his sentence. Where you commit your crime matters, not your nationality. Laws are different on each Country, some places he would be already executed. Just my opinion thought.