Kaine Defends Attempt to Transfer Convicted Killer

Ex-governor claims decision was fiscal

Tim Kaine is defending his decision to try and send a former German diplomat’s son -- who’s serving life in prison for murder -- back to Germany, where he could be freed.

Kaine spoke with reporters Wednesday for the first time since announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. He was asked to explain why, in his final days as governor of Virginia, he asked the U.S. attorney to transfer Jens Soering to Germany, where he could be released from prison two years later.

“I basically said, ‘Look, Virginia taxpayers have borne the cost of this German citizen’s incarceration for 20-plus years,’” Kaine said. “I thought it was time for German citizens to bear the cost of his incarceration.”

Current Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell rescinded Kaine’s request shortly after taking office.

Jens Soering was convicted of killing his girlfriend’s parents in 1985. He and his girlfriend had confessed to the murders, but Soering later recanted that confession. He claimed he only said he’d killed the couple to spare his girlfriend the death penalty. He said he thought his father’s diplomatic immunity would protect him.

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