A sordid murder in a fairytale landscape: the trial of an American accused of the rape and murder of one of his compatriots, a stone's throw from the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, begins Monday February 19 in Germany.
Troy Philipp.
B, 30 years old at the time of the events, is accused of having sexually assaulted and then thrown a 21-year-old American tourist off a cliff in June 2023.
He also allegedly attempted to murder by pushing his 22-year-old friend who wanted to help him into the void.
The accused appeared before the district court in Kempten (south) on charges of murder, rape resulting in death, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm, in this trial scheduled until March 13.
He will also be tried for possession of child pornography images, discovered during searches by investigators at his home.
A castle out of a fairy tale
The events had a particular resonance, because they took place near the famous Bavarian castle of Neuschwanstein, one of the most tourist places in Germany.
Built in the 19th century by the King of Bavaria Ludwig II, this building, which dominates a 200 meter rocky outcrop in the middle of the trees, seems to come out of a fairy tale, to the point that it is said to have inspired the logo of the Walt Disney studios .
According to investigators, Troy Philipp B would have come across the two young women aged 21 and 22 hiking near the monument, and would have offered them to walk with him to the Marienbrücke, a bridge famous for its viewpoint.
According to the German press, the two friends were traveling through Europe after finishing their computer science studies.
The accused allegedly filmed part of his crimes
The man allegedly attempted to sexually assault the 21-year-old woman.
Her friend allegedly tried to help her, provoking a fight with the suspect who pushed the 22-year-old woman into a 50-meter-high ravine.
He then allegedly strangled and raped his friend, until she lost consciousness and was also thrown into the void.
According to the daily
Bild
, the suspect filmed part of his crimes.
Quickly found, the two women were taken care of by emergency services.
But the 21-year-old victim did not survive.
The police finally arrested the alleged perpetrator not far from the crime scene.
His arrest and rescue of the victims took place in front of hundreds of tourists, according to German media.
However, neither the suspect nor his lawyer have yet wanted to comment on the facts.