The Promise

The murder of Derek and Nancy Haysom in their Lynchburg, Virginia home remains one of the most notorious criminal cases in American history. The crime occurred on March 30, 1985, and the brutal nature of the murders shocked the local community and garnered extensive media coverage nationwide. The Haysoms were a well-respected couple, and their tragic deaths left many questions about the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Initially, law enforcement focused their suspicion on the couple’s daughter, Elizabeth Haysom, and her boyfriend, Jens Söring. Both were young at the time and had a complex relationship that drew public interest. Following their arrest, Elizabeth and Jens fled to Europe in an attempt to evade justice. Their flight led to an international search, and eventually, both were located and extradited back to the United States to stand trial.

The legal proceedings against Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Söring attracted significant attention. Elizabeth was sentenced to 90 years in prison for incitement to murder, while Jens Söring received two life sentences. The case was heavily debated, with many questioning the evidence that led to their convictions. Over the years, various appeals and public campaigns have challenged the integrity of their convictions, calling into question the evidence used against them and the fairness of their trials.

A team of documentary filmmakers and researchers, led by Karin Steinberger and Marcus Vetter, dedicated over three years to investigating this high-profile case. Their goal was to uncover facts that had been overlooked or misunderstood during the initial investigations and trials. Their work revealed new details about the crime scene and the evidence, significantly impacting the case’s narrative. Among their findings was that none of the blood samples found at the scene belonged to Jens Söring, a fact that had been overlooked or mishandled in earlier investigations.

The revelations brought new questions to light about the prosecution’s case and the possibility of innocence for Söring and Elizabeth. The case remains controversial, with some viewing Söring and Elizabeth as victims of a wrongful conviction. The investigation undertaken by Steinberger, Vetter, and their team has contributed to ongoing discussions and appeals surrounding the case. It underscores the importance of thorough forensic analysis and the potential for new evidence to challenge long-standing legal assumptions. The Haysom case continues to be a compelling example of how justice can depend on the interpretation and integrity of evidence.