US judge rules governor had authority to rescind transfer of German diplomat’s imprisoned son

RICHMOND, Va. – A judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Virginia governor’s decision to revoke the transfer of an imprisoned German diplomat’s son to his home country.

Circuit Judge Beverly Snukals ruled Wednesday that Gov. Bob McDonnell acted within his authority when he rescinded his predecessor’s request to send Jens Soering to Germany.

Soering is serving two life terms for the 1985 murder of his ex-girlfriend’s parents in Bedford County.

Days before he left office, then-Gov. Tim Kaine asked the Justice Department to transfer Soering to a German prison. Kaine secretly agreed to a plan that would have kept Soering behind bars for two years, but McDonnell revoked that request soon after taking office.