Virginia AG Seeks Dismissal of Jens Soering’s Innocence Petition
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is seeking the dismissal of Jens Soering's petition for a writ of absolute innocence, arguing that the evidence presented does not meet legal standards to prove his innocence in the 1985 Haysom murders.
Norfolk Portsmouth Newport News, VA, November 6, 2026 — Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones has formally requested the dismissal of Jens Soering’s petition for a writ of absolute innocence. The petition concerns the 1985 Haysom murders.
The Attorney General’s office has argued that the evidence Soering has presented does not satisfy the legal requirements necessary to establish his innocence. This legal action centers on Soering’s ongoing efforts to prove he did not commit the murders that occurred in 1985.
A writ of absolute innocence is a legal mechanism that allows individuals convicted of crimes to seek a declaration of innocence if new evidence or circumstances emerge that conclusively prove they did not commit the offense. The standard for proving innocence under such a writ is typically high, requiring definitive evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.
The details of the specific evidence submitted by Jens Soering in his petition have not been elaborated upon in the available information. Similarly, the precise legal standards or precedents that the Attorney General’s office believes have not been met were not detailed.
The 1985 Haysom murders involved the deaths of Elizabeth and Derek Haysom. Jens Soering, who was convicted in connection with the case, has maintained his innocence for many years. His petition for a writ of absolute innocence represents a significant legal avenue in his quest for exoneration.
The Virginia Attorney General’s office, as the respondent in this petition, is responsible for upholding the state’s legal positions regarding criminal convictions. Their opposition to the writ signifies a stance that Soering has not met the burden of proof required by law to overturn his conviction based on the grounds presented.
The outcome of this motion to dismiss will determine whether Soering’s petition for a writ of absolute innocence will proceed further in the legal system. The legal arguments are focused on the sufficiency and legal admissibility of the evidence presented to prove Soering’s claim of innocence in the 1985 murders.
Story summarized from the original created by Doug Pardue on cardinalnews.org, see more information here.
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