US man charged with murder over deadly attack at famous German castle
An American man has been charged with rape and murder over an attack on two women near Neuschwastein Castle in Germany.
The 31-year-old man, who has not been named in line with German privacy rules, faces charges of murder, rape with fatal consequences, attempted murder and possession of child pornography.
The attack, on June 14, took place near Queen Mary's Bridge, a crossing over a gorge that offers views of the 19th-century castle in Bavaria, one of the country's most famous tourist attractions.
Prosecutors say the suspect met the tourists, aged 21 and 22, by chance and lured them off a hiking trail and allegedly pushed them down the gorge.
He is alleged to have begun the assault by pushing the younger woman to the ground before trying to undress her.
When the other woman rushed to her aid, a scuffle ensued and the suspect allegedly pushed her down a slope. She fell about 165ft but survived despite sustaining a head injury, bruises and grazes.
Prosecutors said they secured a laptop and cellphones from the suspect containing child sexual abuse material.
Authorities say the women did not know the man prior to the incident. The suspect was arrested shortly after the attack.
Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison in Germany.
