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Human remains were discovered in the backyard of a home on Crestwood Court in Albany, where law enforcement has been conducting a financial crimes investigation. The remains were found on Wednesday (September 24) at the residence of Franz and Theresia Kraus, an elderly couple who have not been seen since around 2017.
The investigation began after the Social Security Administration conducted a wellness check due to the couple's prolonged absence and continued receipt of Social Security payments. Neighbors reported that the couple vanished without a trace, and law enforcement now presumes they are deceased.
Investigators used an excavator, shovels, and hand tools to search the property, including the basement, for any signs of foul play or additional remains. Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox and Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon were present during the search. Kindlon expressed uncertainty about the findings, stating, "As a human being? I'm hoping to find nothing, but as the district attorney and as the lead law enforcement officer in the county? Well, I'm not sure that that's going to be the case" according to the Times Union.
The couple's son, Lorenz F. Kraus, is the focus of the financial crimes investigation related to the use of his parents' bank accounts. He has been accused of writing checks from their accounts. Neighbors mentioned that Kraus occasionally visited the property to maintain it. He had previously told neighbors that his parents moved to Germany, but there is no confirmation of this in federal records as reported by Yahoo News.
The investigation remains active, with no criminal charges filed yet. Albany police spokeswoman Megan Craft stated that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made as reported by the Times Union.