An American man has admitted to charges of murder and rape after allegedly pushing two US women down a ravine near Germany’s Neuschwanstein castle last year.
The 31-year-old defendant, who has not formally entered pleas to charges, is charged with murder, rape with fatal consequences, attempted murder, and possession of child pornography.
The attack occurred on June 14, near the Marienbruecke bridge over a gorge close to the castle. Prosecutors say the defendant met the two women by chance on a hiking path and lured them off the trail.
The suspect allegedly forced the younger woman to the ground and tried to undress her. The elder woman tried to help her, but the suspect pushed her down a steep slope, causing her to fall 50 meters and sustain a head injury.
The suspect then strangled the younger woman until she was unconscious and raped her before pushing her down the slope. A verdict is expected to be announced in mid-March.
