LifestyleTragic incident at German castle. US citizen could serve a life sentence

Tragic incident at German castle. US citizen could serve a life sentence

Neuschwanstein Castle attracts crowds of tourists.
Neuschwanstein Castle attracts crowds of tourists.
Images source: © Adobe Stock | Peter Widmann
ed. MSI

8:24 AM EDT, October 27, 2023

In June of this year, a substantial tragedy unfolded near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Allegedly perpetrated by a 31-year-old tourist from the USA, the accused is reported to have pushed two women into a gorge after sexually assaulting one of them.

The case's development was recently reported by the German prosecutor's office on Thursday, October 26. A man is under suspicion for the alleged murder of one American tourist and an attempted murder of another near Neuschwanstein Castle.

31-Year-Old American Accused of Attacking Two Female Tourists

The 31-year-old accused, an American citizen, has been formally charged with murder, rape leading to death, attempted murder, inflicting serious bodily harm, and possession of child pornography.

It is alleged that the man attacked two unidentified women in June this year near a hiking trail above Marienbrücke bridge, close to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. According to reports, he is said to have intentionally lured the women from the hiking trail to a nearby viewpoint.

Only One Tourist Survived the Attack

As per allegations, the accused knocked a 21-year-old American to the ground with the intent to rape her. When her friend attempted to intervene, it is claimed the man pushed her 164 ft down a slope. The prosecutors' report indicates that the accused strangled the 21-year-old woman until she lost consciousness, subsequently sexually assaulting her. The allegations conclude that he later pushed her into the gorge.

While the young woman subjected to sexual assault succumbed to her injuries, her friend survived the attack with significant head trauma and numerous injuries. Notably, child pornography was found in the possession of the accused during the investigation. With proceedings ongoing at the District Court in Kempten, there are discussions about escalating the case to a higher court. If convicted, the accused faces a life sentence.