American Man Faces Charges for Fatal Assault at Iconic Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

An unnamed 31-year-old man from the US has been charged with murder, rape, and attempted murder for an attack that took place in June near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The man is alleged to have lured two American women, aged 21 and 22, off the trail before sexually assaulting the younger one. When her friend tried to help, a scuffle broke out, and both women were pushed into a deep ravine. The 21-year-old died from her injuries, while her older friend survived. Neuschwanstein Castle is a popular tourist attraction with over 1.3 million visitors per year. Situated in Bavaria, it was built in the 19th century but was never occupied. The attack occurred on June 14, shortly after the suspect met the two women near the Marienbrücke bridge. He led them to a hidden trail, claiming that the route to the bridge was difficult. The prosecution alleges that he forcibly brought the 21-year-old to the ground, sexually assaulted her, and strangled her. When her 22-year-old friend tried to intervene, he pushed her down the slope. The suspect was arrested later that day following a large-scale police search involving more than 25 vehicles.