A man was arrested in Germany after two American tourists were attacked and killed near Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old suspect, who has not been named, encountered the victims, aged 21 and 22, on a hiking trail near the historic castle. The man allegedly had the women follow them to an alley where he physically assaulted the 21-year-old man. When the other woman tried to intervene, the man allegedly strangled her and pushed her down a steep slope. according to to the Associated Press.
He then allegedly attempted to sexually assault the young victim again before pushing him back into the ravine. The 21-year-old victim fell from nearly 50 meters before being transported by helicopter to hospital where he died of serious injuries. The oldest of the two victims was found to have a “reaction” and was taken to hospital, where he remained as of Thursday, the Associated Press reported.
🔴 An American woman has died after being thrown over 160 feet into a ravine by a man who allegedly sexually assaulted her in a German castle.
more: https://t.co/OLYTtSMW8n pic.twitter.com/diByWKozC0
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 15, 2023
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested shortly afterward. Bystander Eric Abneri, who documented the man’s arrest, said he had scratches on his face. (Related: Judge rules hate crime against gay man who fell off cliff)
“He didn’t say a word. He didn’t open his mouth. He didn’t mutter,” Abneri told the Associated Press. “He just walked with the police and that was it.” The man is currently under investigation for murder, attempted murder and sex crimes.
Located in southern Bavaria, near the Austrian border, Neuschwanstein Castle is one of Germany’s most-visited tourist attractions. King Ludwig II of Bavaria started construction in the 19th century, but it was never completed.
