Global Courant
An American tourist was arrested in Germany on Thursday for allegedly pushing two fellow American tourists down a steep slope — killing one of them — near a famous German castle.
The incident took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Marienbruecke, a bridge over a gorge that offers a view of Neuschwanstein Castle.
The 30-year-old man met the two American women, ages 21 and 22, on a hiking trail and lured them to a trail leading to a lookout point, police said.
“The younger of the two women was attacked by the suspect,” said police spokesman Holger Stabik. “The elder tried to rush to her aid, was then suffocated by the suspect and then pushed down a slope.”
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In this image from a video, a suspect is being led away by two police officers near Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, southern Germany, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Eric Abneri via AP)
The assailant then allegedly attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. She fell almost 50 meters and ended up close to her friend.
A mountain rescue team reached both women. The 22-year-old was “responsive” and taken to a hospital, where she stayed overnight, police said. A helicopter took the 21-year-old seriously injured to another hospital, where she died overnight.
The suspect left the crime scene, but was quickly arrested nearby.
A bystander who videotaped police leading the suspect away told The Associated Press he was “absolutely stunned” that anyone could survive the fall.
FILE – People view Neuschwanstein Castle, in Schwangau, Germany, Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)
He praised the authorities’ work, saying the rescue helicopter “came just a few feet above the tree line at the top of the hill”.
“They did an incredible job,” he said.
Authorities have not identified the suspect or the two victims.
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Police said a judge in nearby Kempten on Thursday ordered the suspect to be held pending a possible charge – a trial that could take months – and that he be taken to jail. He is suspected of murder, attempted murder and a sex offense.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues and much more.
