Killing for Love 2017

Brutal Murders of the Haysoms

On March 30, 1985, the shocking murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom sent ripples throughout the small town of Lynchburg, Virginia. The brutal nature of the crime sparked a frantic investigation by local police, igniting public fear and curiosity about the dark events surrounding the case.

Investigative Attention Grabs

As the investigation into the Haysom murders progressed, it captured the interest of the sheriff's department and eventually the FBI. The involvement of these agencies underscored the case's complexity and the troubling secrets that were sure to unfold in the coming years.

Conviction of Jens Söring

On June 21, 1990, Jens Söring, who was dating Elizabeth Haysom, was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of her parents. He received two life sentences, marking a turning point in a case that had perplexed investigators and left the community searching for answers.

Elizabeth Haysom's Plea Deal

In a shocking development, Elizabeth Haysom entered a plea deal, being deemed an 'accessory before the fact,' and received a staggering 90-year sentence. This decision sparked debate over her role in the murders and whether she was complicit or manipulated by Jens.

Jens's Claim of Innocence

Throughout the legal turmoil, Jens Söring passionately maintained his claim of innocence, asserting that he did not commit the murders for which he was convicted. His pleas echoed through the years, raising questions about the integrity of the evidence against him.

Search for the Truth

A dedicated team, including Jens's lawyers and private investigators, dove deep into the case to reveal the truth about that fateful night. Their investigation uncovered inconsistencies and sought to piece together a fragmented narrative that had long eluded clarity.

The Escape Attempt

As the pressure mounted, Jens and Elizabeth attempted to escape law enforcement's grip. Their arrest in London for check fraud under false identities marked a critical moment in their lives, leading Jens to make a fateful confession to protect Elizabeth from possible execution.

Elizabeth's Testimony

On August 24, 1987, Elizabeth returned to the U.S. to testify about the events surrounding her parents' deaths. Her guilty plea raised polarized opinions, leaving many to wonder whether she was a victim or fully culpable in the tragic murders.

Psychiatric Evaluations

Renowned psychiatrists diagnosed Elizabeth Haysom with borderline schizophrenia and labeled her a pathological liar. These revelations shifted the focus onto her mental state, complicating the public and legal perception of her involvement in the crimes.

Jens Recants His Confession

As Jens faced the grim possibility of execution, he recanted his confession, realizing that his father's diplomatic immunity would not save him. His decision to withdraw from his admission marked a significant turn in the narrative of the case.

The Tumultuous Trial

The following trials became media spectacles, complete with contentious courtroom drama and public interest reaching a fever pitch. The intersecting testimonies and evidence introduced formidable challenges, leading to conflicting narratives about the murders.

Emergence of New Evidence

In a climactic turn, advocates for Jens Söring uncovered inconsistencies in the prosecution's case that could exonerate him. Investigators began to follow new leads, exploring new witnesses and evidence that might rewrite the story of that horrific night.

Regrets and Haunting Memories

As years passed, Jens reflected on his earlier decisions with a deep sense of regret. Struggling within the prison system, he faced relentless memories of his life sentence imposed in 1990, hoping for a chance at redemption.

The Transfer to Germany

Jens's life seemed to take a turn when prospects for a transfer to Germany appeared on the horizon. However, political decisions ultimately barred his release, deepening the sense of tragedy and loss surrounding his and Elizabeth's fates.