From Le Figaro with AFP
Published 51 minutes ago, now updated
The famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. VOJTa Out / stock.adobe.com
Troy Philip. B, 30 years old at the time of the events, is accused of sexually assaulting and then throwing off a cliff a 21-year-old American tourist and a woman who wanted to help her friend in June 2023.
A heinous murder in a fairytale setting: A stone's throw from the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the trial of an American accused of raping and murdering one of his compatriots begins on Monday, February 19, in Germany. Troy Philip. B, 30 years old at the time of the events, is accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old American tourist in June 2023 and then throwing him off a cliff. He is also said to have attempted murder by pushing his 22-year-old friend, who was trying to help him, into space.
The defendant had to answer for murder, rape resulting in death, attempted murder and serious bodily harm before the Kempten (South) regional court; the trial ended on March 13th. He is also accused of possessing child pornography images that investigators discovered during searches of his home.
A castle like from a fairy tale
The events had a special resonance because they took place near the famous Bavarian Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most touristic places in Germany. Built in the 19th century by Bavarian King Ludwig II, this building, which dominates a 200-meter-high rocky outcrop amid the trees, appears to have come straight out of a fairy tale, suggesting it served as inspiration for the city's Walt Disney logo. Studios.
According to investigators, Troy Philipp B met the two young women, ages 21 and 22, while hiking near the monument and offered them to go with him to Marienbrücke, a bridge famous for its viewpoint. According to the German press, the two friends traveled across Europe after completing their computer science studies.
The defendant is said to have filmed some of his actions
The man is said to have tried to sexually assault the 21-year-old woman. Her boyfriend allegedly tried to help her, which led to an altercation with the suspect, who pushed the 22-year-old young woman into a 50-meter-high ravine. He then allegedly strangled and raped his girlfriend until she lost consciousness and was also thrown into the void. According to the Bild daily newspaper, the suspect filmed some of his actions.
The two women were quickly found and treated by emergency services. But the 21-year-old victim did not survive. The police finally arrested the suspected perpetrator not far from the crime scene. His arrest and the rescue of the victims took place in front of hundreds of tourists, according to German media. However, neither the suspect nor his lawyer have yet wanted to comment on the matter.
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