Early Life and Family Background
Elizabeth Roxanne Haysom was born in April 1964 to Derek and Nancy Haysom, a couple from a distinguished background. Derek, an engineer with British roots, and Nancy, an artist from South Africa, were well-regarded in Virginia society. Elizabeth’s upbringing was marked by privilege, education, and international travel. She attended elite schools and was accepted to the University of Virginia, where she studied languages and the arts.
Behind the family’s façade, however, were underlying tensions. Elizabeth later described her parents’ marriage as troubled, with her relationship with them being strained. Despite the outward appearance of a perfect life, there were aspects of Elizabeth’s home life that she reportedly resented. She claimed that her parents were controlling and that her childhood was marked by emotional struggles and unfulfilled expectations. These internal struggles would set the stage for the events that led to her parents’ tragic deaths.
The Relationship with Jens Söring
In 1984, while studying at the University of Virginia, Elizabeth met Jens Söring, a German student whose father was a diplomat stationed in the United States. The two quickly developed an intense, almost obsessive, relationship, bonding over shared feelings of alienation, intellect, and a rebellious spirit. Söring, who had an exceptionally high IQ, was drawn to Elizabeth’s charm, and she, in turn, seemed to be captivated by his intellect and loyalty.
Elizabeth’s relationship with Söring deepened rapidly, and the two began to envision a life together that transcended traditional expectations and values. They reportedly shared ideas about freedom and defying societal norms, and soon, their relationship took on a darker, more toxic element. Elizabeth began expressing her resentment toward her parents, allegedly complaining to Söring about how her family held her back from the life she wanted.
The Murders of Derek and Nancy Haysom
On March 30, 1985, Derek and Nancy Haysom were found brutally murdered in their home in Bedford County, Virginia. The crime scene was described as particularly grisly, with both victims suffering numerous stab wounds in a scene suggestive of rage and violence. Investigators found little evidence pointing to a specific suspect initially, as Derek and Nancy were well-regarded members of the community with no apparent enemies.
However, suspicions soon fell on Elizabeth and Jens after they failed to show up for Derek and Nancy’s funeral, and Elizabeth’s alibi for the weekend of the murders didn’t seem to add up. Furthermore, a series of lies and strange behavior from both Elizabeth and Jens made them primary persons of interest in the case.
The Investigation and Arrest
As the investigation progressed, authorities began to gather more evidence linking Elizabeth and Jens to the murders. It was revealed that they had rented a car on the weekend of the murders, traveled out of state, and used various fake IDs in an attempt to cover their tracks. Suspicious transactions, such as checks made out to cash in different locations, also raised red flags. In 1986, law enforcement officials managed to track the couple down in London, where they were subsequently arrested.
During their time in custody, Jens initially confessed to the murders, claiming that he had committed the crime out of love for Elizabeth, to protect her from the control and influence of her parents. He asserted that Elizabeth had convinced him that her parents were an obstacle to their happiness. However, Jens would later retract this confession, stating that he had taken the blame to save Elizabeth from facing the death penalty, which he believed she might receive if convicted in Virginia. This claim of self-sacrifice became a central element in the trials and subsequent appeals.
Trials and Convictions
Elizabeth Haysom pleaded guilty to being an accessory to murder and was sentenced to 90 years in prison. During her testimony, she implicated Jens, describing how he had committed the murders to free her from her parents’ control. She admitted to encouraging him but denied direct involvement in the killings themselves.
Jens Söring, meanwhile, maintained that his confession was false, claiming he had made it to protect Elizabeth. His trial took place in 1990, and despite his attempts to recant, he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. The case received international attention, particularly in Germany, where many believed that Jens had been manipulated by Elizabeth and unfairly convicted.
Appeals, Parole, and Ongoing Controversy
Over the years, both Elizabeth and Jens filed numerous appeals, with Jens’s case drawing significant media coverage and support. He argued that his confession was coerced and that there was insufficient forensic evidence linking him to the crime. Despite extensive lobbying efforts and support from notable advocates, Söring’s appeals were repeatedly denied.
In 2019, after more than three decades in prison, both Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Söring were granted parole. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing their release as a long-overdue act of justice, while others felt that they should have served out their full sentences for such a brutal crime. Jens was deported to Germany, where he continued to advocate for his innocence, while Elizabeth was reportedly sent to Canada. Since their release, both have largely maintained a low profile, though Jens has been more vocal about his experiences and has continued to claim that he was wrongfully convicted.
The Legacy of the Haysom Case
The Haysom case remains one of the most talked-about murder cases in Virginia’s history, largely due to its combination of privilege, romance, and betrayal. The story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and news specials, as the public remains fascinated by the seemingly senseless nature of the crime and the complex personalities of those involved.
While Elizabeth Haysom has not publicly discussed her life since her release, her case continues to be studied for its psychological and cultural implications. Many continue to debate whether she and Jens were merely two misguided young people caught up in a moment of passion or if they represented something darker—a testament to how resentment, privilege, and toxic relationships can spiral into tragedy.
Final Thoughts
The story of Elizabeth Haysom serves as a haunting reminder of the destructive potential of love and obsession. It’s a story that raises questions about justice, manipulation, and the power of influence. Though decades have passed since the tragic night that ended Derek and Nancy Haysom’s lives, the memory of their deaths and the enigma surrounding their daughter’s role in the events continue to cast a long shadow, keeping the story of Elizabeth Haysom alive in the public imagination.