Governor Bob McDonnell Opposes Transfer of Convicted Murderer Jens Soering to Germany
- McDonnell Letter to United States Attorney General Eric Holder States Position of Commonwealth has Changed; Revokes Commonwealth's Consent to Transfer
- Previous Administration Agreed to Transfer in Final Days

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

January 20, 2010

Contact: Stacey Johnson
Phone: (804) 225-4260
E-mail: Stacey.Johnson@Governor.Virginia.Gov

RICHMOND- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell sent a letter to United States Attorney General Eric Holder last night officially revoking the Commonwealth's consent to the planned transfer of convicted murderer Jens Soering to Germany.

In the letter, McDonnell writes:

"I was not privy to Governor Kaine's letter nor was I, as Governor-elect, consulted on his actions. However, since taking office on January 16, 2010, my staff has been contacted by several Virginia legislators and other public officials. Further, I have been previously contacted by the Attorney General of Virginia about this matter. My staff has reviewed the case with members of the Attorney General's staff, the Bedford County Commonwealth's Attorney, and the Bedford County Sheriff. All parties are in agreement that Virginia must oppose this transfer. I believe that as the Governor of Virginia, with custody of Jens Soering, I am responsible for ensuring that justice is done. It is imperative that Soering serve out his punishment in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Consequently, I hereby revoke Virginia's consent to the transfer of Soering to the federal government."

Soering, a German native, was convicted in 1990 by a Bedford County Circuit Court jury of two counts of first degree murder for the 1985 killings of Derek Haysom and Nancy Haysome. He received two life sentences. On January 12th former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine sent a letter to the United States Department of Justice agreeing to the international transfer of Soering to Germany for imprisonment there.

The Governor is confident that the Department of Justice will respect Virginia's position and move expeditiously to close this matter.

The letter follows input from Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, Senator Steve Newman (R-Lynchburg), Delegate Rob Bell (R-Charlottesville), Delegate Todd Gilbert (R- Woodstock) and U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th)

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