A 31-year-old American man has admitted to attacking two women, one fatally, near Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle in June 2023. As his trial began Monday, the defendant expressed deep remorse but conceded to the murder, rape and attempted murder charges against him.
The victims, both 21-year-old American students visiting Germany after graduating university, were hiking near the Marienbrücke bridge on June 14th when the assailant approached them. Allegedly persuading them to follow him off trail, he then pushed one woman down a slope and strangled and raped her unconscious. When the other woman intervened, he shoved her down the ravine as well before throwing the first woman down too.
One woman later succumbed to her injuries after emergency airlifting her to the hospital. The other woman survived with serious injuries. Authorities also allegedly found child pornography on the devices seized from the man after his arrest.
The high-profile trial taking place in Kempten, Bavaria over six days has drawn attention across Germany. The man faces charges of murder, rape resulting in death, attempted murder, assault and possession of child pornography. A verdict is expected by mid-March.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. It stands as one of Germany’s premier tourist destinations, drawing in excess of 1.5 million visitors annually.