ALBANY, N.Y. (Civitas.global) — In a shocking turn of events, Lorenz Kraus confessed to killing and burying his parents eight years ago in the backyard of their Albany home during a television interview this week. The confession, which stunned viewers, came just a day after police discovered their remains during a financial crime investigation.

The 53-year-old Kraus sat down with CBS6, where he shared his reasoning for the heartrending decision, referring to it as a 'mercy killing' for his aging parents. When pressed by news anchor Greg Floyd about his actions, Kraus stated, 'Yes, and it was so quick.'

Although initially hesitant to explicitly confirm the murders, Kraus ultimately admitted to his actions after further questioning, suggesting that while his parents did not directly ask to be killed, they were aware of their deteriorating health.

I did my duty to my parents, Kraus explained. My concern for their misery was paramount. This on-camera confession quickly escalated into his arrest as he left the studio, where he now faces two counts of murder with a public defender entering a not guilty plea on his behalf during a court appearance.

The shocking narrative began when Kraus reportedly reached out to CBS6, providing a handwritten two-page statement that led to his eventual televised confession. News director Stone Grissom noted that they had a plainclothes police officer present during the interview, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Kraus had previously been living off his parents' Social Security benefits, raising questions about financial abuse.

The bodies recovered are believed to belong to Franz Kraus, 92, and Theresia Kraus, 83, though authorities are still working to confirm their identities. The investigation not only reveals a tragic family mystery but also underlines the darker aspects of financial dependence and elder care in distressing circumstances.