In the trial surrounding the violent crime against two American tourists at Neuschwanstein Castle, the defendant made a comprehensive confession. The 31-year-old has been standing before the Kempten regional court since Monday on charges of murder, rape resulting in death and attempted murder.
According to the prosecution, the vacationer, also from the USA, brutally attacked the two women for sexual reasons on June 14, 2023 while they were hiking near the Marienbrücke in Schwangau. The bridge is a popular meeting point for holidaymakers because from there you have a particularly good view of the fairytale castle of Bavaria’s King Ludwig II.
After the attack, a 21-year-old died and her companion, who was one year older, was seriously injured. The American is said to have strangled and raped the younger woman, and is also said to have pushed both victims down a slope approximately 50 meters deep.
At the beginning of the trial, defense attorney Philip Müller read out a statement in which the allegations were largely admitted. “The defendant committed the incomprehensible act,” it was said about the crime against the 21-year-old. The 31-year-old confirmed that the explanation was correct, but did not answer any further questions.
The court has initially planned six days of hearings for the trial. The verdict could therefore be announced in mid-March.