ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — The CBS6 exclusive on-camera confession from Lorenz Kraus — accused of killing his parents — has been viewed millions of times and picked up by national outlets, raising questions about how it could impact his case if it goes to trial.
Kraus, 53, admitted on camera to suffocating his parents, Franz and Theresia Kraus, saying he did it to end their suffering. Our cameras were rolling as Kraus spoke candidly during a 32-minute interview with our Greg Floyd, and later in a separate jailhouse interview. Clips of those conversations have since spread widely online.
Legal experts say the viral nature of the confession could pose challenges when it comes to jury selection.
“I think defense counsel is going to make a motion to change venue,” said attorney Greg Rinckey, founding partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC. “They’re going to say that so many people have seen it, that they’ve already formed an opinion as to whether or not he’s guilty.”
Rinckey added that defense attorneys will likely file another motion to suppress the confession altogether, leaving the decision in the hands of a judge.
If the confession is ruled inadmissible, Rinckey says the medical examiner’s report will become even more critical.
“It’s going to be key then,” he said. “Because if that confession is suppressed, now you need evidence that’s going to tie him to the crime. And you also have to be able to prove that he intentionally killed them. The government has to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
During both interviews with CBS6, Kraus said he believed ending his parents’ lives was his duty as they grew older, claiming they had given him “hints” that they wanted him to act.
The Albany County District Attorney’s office could not comment on whether the autopsies have been completed by the medical examiner. Kraus remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court tomorrow.
Kraus’ bombshell confession interview at the CBS6 station was done on Sept. 25, 2025,a couple days after police started investigating his parents’ home at 6 Crestwood Drive.
Authorities told the media it was a “financial crimes” investigation, but indicated it could turn into something much bigger.
That’s when they uncovered two bodies buried in the backyard.
Authorities found the first body in the early evening of September 24th.
The second body was discovered in the morning of Sept. 25. Just hours later, Kraus reached out to CBS6 and agreed to come to the station for an interview.
He was arrested in the station parking lot shortly after the interview wrapped up.
He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of Murder 2nd and two counts of concealment of a human corpse.
