A man in New York was taken into custody on Thursday after admitting to a news outlet that he murdered his elderly parents in 2017, subsequently burying their remains in the backyard.

On Thursday, 53-year-old Lorenz Kraus approached WRGB and confessed to anchor Greg Floyd that he killed his parents, Franz and Theresia Kraus, claiming it was out of mercy. Kraus detailed how he first strangled his father with his hands and then used a rope to strangle his mother while she laid her head on his father’s chest.

Kraus’ alleged admission came shortly after authorities carried out a search warrant at an Albany home associated with financial crimes. The next day, excavation machinery was brought to the site. WRGB stated that one body was found on Wednesday, with the second body uncovered the following day.

Albany Police Chief Brendon Cox mentioned that investigators had questioned Kraus, who contacted WRBG following the police’s press conference. At that time, police were looking into Social Security payments being made for two individuals who had disappeared eight years prior.

Kraus explained to Floyd that he is confessing on tape so the public can judge for themselves.

“I did my duty to my parents,” Kraus commented. “My concern for their misery was paramount.”

In his confession, Kraus asked the news station to query him on his political and economic ideologies. Kraus provided a two-page document to the media, outlining his proposal for a board of trustees to replace state and federal governments.

Kraus also wrote that he wanted immunity if he answered all questions, according to the Albany Times Union.

The news outlet reported that Kraus was on the 2020 presidential ballot in New Hampshire, promising to dismantle the presidency and the “Deep State.” His social media content reportedly contained antisemitism and videos about the “Great Replacement” theory, a conspiracy theory alleging that European populations are being surpassed and replaced by nonwhite populations.

Kraus was arrested moments after leaving the news station. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and concealment of a human corpse.

[Feature Photo: WRGB]