Diplomat’s son to serve murder sentences in Va. prison after Holder denies transfer to Germany

US bars German national’s transfer from Va. prison

RICHMOND, Va. — The U.S. government has refused to transfer a German diplomat’s son from a Virginia prison where he is serving two life terms for murder.

Attorney General Eric Holder says the government cannot order the move without the state’s approval. Holder announced the decision in a letter Tuesday to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. A spokeswoman for McDonnell said the governor was pleased with the decision.

Jens Soering (Yens SOAR’-ing) is serving two life terms for the 1985 stabbing deaths of his then-girlfriend’s parents, Derek and Nancy Haysom.

Former-Gov. Tim Kaine had asked the Justice Department to approve the transfer. McDonnell revoked the request. A transfer would have made Soering eligible for release in about two years.