American Man Faces Murder Charges in German Castle Ravine Tragedy

 


An American man is facing serious charges, including murder, for an alleged attack on two women, resulting in one woman's death, after pushing them into a ravine near a German castle. The 30-year-old man, whose name hasn't been disclosed, is accused of murder, rape with fatal consequences, attempted murder, and possessing child pornography. The incident happened in June near Neuschwanstein Castle, as reported by the Associated Press and NBC News, based on an indictment filed in Kempten state court.

Murder charges in Germany could lead to a life sentence, according to the AP. The case against the man was filed with the Kempten state court, which will decide whether to proceed to trial.

Prosecutors also discovered child sexual abuse material on the suspect's laptop and cellphones. The man, who didn't know the victims, encountered two American tourists, aged 21 and 22, while hiking near Marienbrücke, a bridge close to the castle on June 14.

According to police spokesman Holger Stabik, the younger woman was attacked by the suspect, and the older one tried to help but was choked and pushed down a slope. The suspect then pushed the younger woman down the slope after attempting a sexual assault, leading to her death following a 165-foot fall, as reported by CNN.

Footage of the suspect's arrest circulated online, showing him in a t-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap, handcuffed. Witness Eric Abneri, who captured the video, mentioned that the suspect had scratches on his face and remained silent during the arrest. He expressed amazement that anyone survived such a fall, comparing it to falling from a high cliff.

The 19th-century castle, constructed by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, is known for inspiring famous Disney castles, including the real-life Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, as noted on the castle's tour website.

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