The trial of an American accused of murder and rape near Germany's famous Neuschwanstein Castle began on Monday.
The man admitted the charge at the start of his trial.
The 31-year-old is accused of pushing two fellow Americans into a ravine near the popular tourist attraction in the southern Bavarian state last June. One of the women died as a result of her injuries.
The lawyer added that his client was “deeply ashamed” of his actions and wanted to apologize to the victim’s family.
What we know about the attack
The women, aged 21 and 22, went hiking on June 14, 2023 during a visit to Germany after graduating from university.
After approaching the women and then persuading them to follow him along a path to a viewing point near St. Mary's Bridge, he allegedly pushed the younger woman to the ground and undressed her. When the 22-year-old intervened, he is said to have pushed her down a slope.
German prosecutors suspect the man then strangled the younger woman until she was unconscious before raping her and also throwing her down the slope.
The 22-year-old suffered serious injuries but survived. The younger woman was flown to hospital by mountain rescue but later died from her injuries.
German police arrest US tourists over Neuschwanstein death
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The man is charged with murder, rape resulting in death, attempted murder, aggravated assault and possession of child pornography after files were allegedly found on his phone and computer.
The trial will take place for six days before the Kempten regional court. A verdict is expected in mid-March.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most popular attractions in Germany and attracts around 1.5 million visitors every year.
Editor's note: DW follows the German Press Code, which emphasizes the importance of protecting the privacy of suspected perpetrators or victims and requires us not to reveal full names in such cases.
sdi, kb/lo (dpa, AFP, Portal)
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