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US Citizen Indicted For Allegedly Throwing Two Tourists Off Cliff, Raping And Killing One In Germany

(Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

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An American man faces multiple charges, including murder and rape, following a brutal attack on two female U.S. tourists near Germany’s iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The 31-year-old suspect from Michigan, whose identity remains confidential due to German privacy laws, is accused of luring the victims, ages 21 and 22, off a trail and assaulting them near the Marienbruecke bridge on June 14, according to the AP.

The indictment filed at the Kempten state court alleges that during the attack, the suspect forced the younger woman to the ground and attempted to undress her. When the other woman intervened, she was pushed down a ravine, falling approximately 50 meters (165 feet), but miraculously survived despite suffering severe injuries, per the AP.

Prosecutors say the alleged assailant subsequently strangled the younger woman into unconsciousness, raped her, and then pushed her down the slope, resulting in her tragic death, the outlet noted. In a search following his arrest, authorities reportedly found child pornography on the suspect’s electronic devices, the outlet noted. (RELATED: American Tourist Arrested In Israel For Allegedly Smashing Ancient Sculptures)

If convicted, the accused faces a potential life sentence, as per German law. The upcoming court decision will determine the start date of the trial. Neither victim had prior acquaintance with the assailant, the AP reported citing local authorities.