The man lured the two women, ages 21 and 22, away from the main route near the Marienbrücke bridge — a popular tourist viewpoint for the castle — before pushing the 21-year-old to the ground to try to rape her. After her friend intervened, he pushed the 22-year-old down a 165-foot drop, which she survived.
According to investigators, he raped the 21-year-old and strangled her with a belt while he filmed the act. Interrupted by two other tourists, the man threw the unconscious woman down the gorge.
Both women were taken by helicopter to a hospital, where the younger woman died. The women’s names also were not released by German authorities. However, relatives and associates have identified them as Illinois residents Eva Liu, who died, and Kelsey Chang, who survived.
Police launched a search of the area and the suspect was arrested near the scene shortly after the attack.
The presiding judge at Monday’s sentencing noted the “particular severity” of guilt, meaning that parole after 15 years — the earliest possible time for someone who receives a life sentence in Germany — is unlikely.
Neuschwanstein Castle, famed as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, was built in the 19th century by Bavarian King Ludwig II. Today, the tourist attraction pulls in about 1.5 million visitors every year.
