I had never heard of the brutal murders of the Haysoms until watching this documentary. Morbid curiosity and extensive opportunity for speculation made this a compelling series. The letters offered insights into the young couple's obsession. There are many facts presented, yet no definitive conclusions are drawn. Did only one or both participate in the killings? If solo, which one? If both, who wielded the knife?
I believe Elisabeth was there and physically committed the murders. Being shipped off to overseas boarding schools like a parcel would take a toll. The drug use and psychological difficulties added to the pressure. It seems she was a later-in-life child that the parents were not interested in raising themselves. Was the mother abusive? Impossible to determine, yet would account for some of the rage.
By confessing to her involvement yet pinning the actual murders on Jens, Elisabeth was able to get execution off the table. Smart. Of the pair, she is the one who had the power to manipulate the other. Sex is a powerful motivator, and Jens was not experienced or savvy. Hubris and drug use seem to have fueled an arrogant disregard for the consequences. Even a basic matter like the car's odometer was apparently not considered.
It seems probable that Jens accompanied Elisabeth to the Haysom home, although of the two he is much more likely to have stayed behind. Movie tickets and a room service order do not preclude the couple acting together. The exact timing of the killings was not clear, and DNA science would take many years to advance. Jens was willing to take the fall when he believed extradition to Germany was likely. Once in a US courtroom, he quickly changed his tune.
There is a wide array of reporters, detectives, family, and friends who share their recollections and assumptions. Archival footage and recent interviews make for a strong mix of old and new footage. The parole was tipped early on, yet still made for a good twist in the final chapter.
The weakness of the documentary is that Elisabeth refused to sit for questions. Living in Canada, she apparently acquiesced to relatives' wishes that she stay quiet. Both are dishonest. Each paid a high price for the slaughter of the Haysoms. 'Til Murder do Us Part is a captivating true-crime documentary. Recommended.
I believe Elisabeth was there and physically committed the murders. Being shipped off to overseas boarding schools like a parcel would take a toll. The drug use and psychological difficulties added to the pressure. It seems she was a later-in-life child that the parents were not interested in raising themselves. Was the mother abusive? Impossible to determine, yet would account for some of the rage.
By confessing to her involvement yet pinning the actual murders on Jens, Elisabeth was able to get execution off the table. Smart. Of the pair, she is the one who had the power to manipulate the other. Sex is a powerful motivator, and Jens was not experienced or savvy. Hubris and drug use seem to have fueled an arrogant disregard for the consequences. Even a basic matter like the car's odometer was apparently not considered.
It seems probable that Jens accompanied Elisabeth to the Haysom home, although of the two he is much more likely to have stayed behind. Movie tickets and a room service order do not preclude the couple acting together. The exact timing of the killings was not clear, and DNA science would take many years to advance. Jens was willing to take the fall when he believed extradition to Germany was likely. Once in a US courtroom, he quickly changed his tune.
There is a wide array of reporters, detectives, family, and friends who share their recollections and assumptions. Archival footage and recent interviews make for a strong mix of old and new footage. The parole was tipped early on, yet still made for a good twist in the final chapter.
The weakness of the documentary is that Elisabeth refused to sit for questions. Living in Canada, she apparently acquiesced to relatives' wishes that she stay quiet. Both are dishonest. Each paid a high price for the slaughter of the Haysoms. 'Til Murder do Us Part is a captivating true-crime documentary. Recommended.