crime
Act of violence at Neuschwanstein: murder charges against Americans
A tourist attraction as a crime scene: In June, an American attacked two tourists at Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria – one of the women did not survive the attack. (archive image) photo
© Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/dpa
The 31-year-old attacked two American tourists near the famous castle in June – for sexual motives. He threw both women down a slope. One victim did not survive.
Four months after the violent crime against two American tourists near Neuschwanstein Castle, charges have been brought against a 31-year-old. The American is accused of murder and attempted murder, the public prosecutor said Kempten with.
In the attack near the Marienbrücke in Schwangau, a 21-year-old died and her companion, who was one year older, was injured. The man is said to have raped the younger woman and pushed both victims down a slope. The bridge is a popular viewing point with views of the castle.
The case caused a huge international stir in June. According to the investigation, the three vacationers from the USA are said to have met each other by chance. The man is then said to have attacked the two women for sexual reasons. “It is suspected that the accused then deliberately guided the two women from the hiking trail to a viewing point a few meters away,” the prosecutors reported.
The defendant is also charged with possession of child pornography
He is then said to have thrown the younger woman to the ground to undress her. According to the investigation, the 22-year-old intervened in this situation, whereupon the man is said to have pushed the companion about 50 meters down. The prosecution assumes that the man then strangled and raped the 21-year-old. He is then said to have thrown her down the slope too.
The man is also accused of rape resulting in death, grievous bodily harm and possession of child pornography. Corresponding files were said to have been on the confiscated cell phone and the man’s computer.
The two women were rescued from the gorge after the attack. The doctors could no longer do anything for the younger woman.
The Kempten regional court must now examine the charges and decide whether the case will be heard publicly. There is no court date yet.