The footprint that doesn't close: the Heam-Söring case

The footprint that doesn't close: the Heam-Söring case: The double murder of Derek and Nancy Heam April 3, 1985, Virginia. A bloody sock footprint, an untouched dinner on the table, an unforced door. Two bodies with over 50 wounds. But 24 years later, the DNA at the scene does not belong to the man convicted of the crime. In this episode, we explore the contradictions that define this forensic mystery: a detailed confession that completely changes at trial, an odometer that implicates both suspects, and DNA evidence found decades later that dismantles the central theory of guilt. Who really entered that house, and why have nearly four decades of investigation never closed the case? Victims: Derek and Nancy Heam Date: March 30, 1985 Location: Lynchburg, Virginia, United States Status: Cold cases; both suspects deported; material authorship unresolved - Jens Söring confessed in 1986 with precise details of the interior of the house, but completely changed his story in 1990, accusing Elizabeth as the material author. - The odometer of the rented car recorded 695 kilometers unaccounted for, implicating both suspects simultaneously in Virginia. - Forty-two DNA samples found at the scene in 2009 did not match Jens; one belongs to an unidentified person, possibly James Farmer, who is now deceased. - Elizabeth bought double movie tickets for films she supposedly watched alone the night of the crime, and love letters reveal explicit plans to eliminate her parents since December 1984. Derek Heam, Nancy Heam, Lynchburg Virginia 1985, murder, forensic investigation, unsolved mystery, DNA, detective, imperfect justice, love letters, true crime, Spanish true crimeIf you'd like to listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, we invite you to try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.© 2026 Created with OBOMEDIA technology. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and associated materials) are the property of their respective creator and are distributed under the OBOMEDIA name on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pocket Casts. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or total or partial commercial use is prohibited without prior written authorization. For permissions, licenses, and commercial inquiries: [email protected]