An American man has been convicted of murder and other charges for a brutal attack on two American women near Germany's famous Neuschwanstein castle last summer. The incident resulted in the death of one victim and severe injuries to the other. The 31-year-old defendant was sentenced to life in prison by the Kempten state court in Germany.
The court also found the defendant guilty of attempted murder and rape with fatal consequences. The presiding judge determined that the severity of the defendant's actions warranted a sentence that may not allow for release after the typical 15-year period in Germany.
During the trial, the defendant admitted to the charges, with the judge describing him as 'incredibly callous.' The attack took place on June 14 near the Marienbruecke, a popular tourist spot offering a view of the Neuschwanstein castle.
The victims, identified as 21-year-old Eva Liu, who tragically died, and her friend Kelsey Chang, 22, who survived, were recent graduates of the University of Illinois. Prosecutors revealed that the suspect met the women by chance on a hiking path and lured them off the trail.
According to prosecutors, the suspect first assaulted the younger woman before a scuffle broke out when the older woman tried to intervene. The defendant then pushed the older woman down a steep slope, causing her injuries but she survived. He proceeded to strangle the younger woman, rape her, and then pushed her down the slope as well, resulting in her death.
The judge condemned the defendant's actions, stating that he treated the victims as 'bags of garbage.' The court also noted that the defendant had kept video footage and a photo of the attack as a 'trophy,' which became crucial evidence in the case.
Police arrested the suspect near the scene of the crime, and both victims were rescued from the ravine by a helicopter. The tragic incident has shocked the local community and highlighted the importance of ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
