Nine months after the violent act against two young American women not far from Neuschwanstein Castle, a 31-year-old was sentenced to life in prison. On Monday, the regional court in Kempten classified the man’s crime, also from the USA, as murder, attempted murder and rape resulting in death. The presiding judge Christoph Schwiebacher also noted the particular gravity of the guilt. This means that the prison sentence probably cannot be suspended after just 15 years.
After the verdict, the defense announced that it would appeal. This involves determining the particular gravity of the guilt. Attorney Alexander Stevens said the defendant had asked defense attorneys to review the written verdict.
Regardless of the outcome of a possible appeal, the defense lawyers said they advised their client to serve his sentence in Germany and not to apply for extradition to the USA, which could take years. The defense attorneys explained this with the better prison conditions in Germany.
During the trial, the defendant admitted the crimes he was accused of. After the man attacked the two women, a 21-year-old died in hospital, and her companion, who was one year older, was seriously injured.
The defendant and the women, who were previously unknown to him, met while hiking near the Marienbrücke in Schwangau. The bridge is a popular meeting point for tourists from all over the world because from there you have a particularly good view of the fairytale castle of the Bavarian King Ludwig II.
After a few minutes, the man brutally attacked one of the two women in a secluded place in order to rape her. Her friend wanted to come to her aid, which is why the man pushed the then 22-year-old into the adjacent Pöllat Gorge – she fell about 50 meters deep. The defendant then continued to assault the younger victim.
When he was surprised by a couple doing the deed, the man let go of the woman and pushed her over the edge of the slope as well. Both women had to be rescued from the gorge by helicopter; the 21-year-old died a few hours later from her serious injuries.
Note: The article was updated after the revision was announced.
