Current:Home > InvestNeuschwanstein castle murder case opens with U.S. man admitting to rape, killing of fellow U.S. tourist-LoTradeCoin
Neuschwanstein castle murder case opens with U.S. man admitting to rape, killing of fellow U.S. tourist
View Date:2024-12-23 21:48:17
Kempten, Germany — An American man accused of raping and killing a fellow U.S. tourist near Bavaria's famed Neuschwanstein castle last year made a wide-ranging confession on the first day of his trial Monday.
Troy Philipp B. faces several charges including one count of murder over the death of the 21-year-old woman. He also stands accused of the attempted murder of the victim's friend, also an American citizen. Neither the suspect nor the victims have been identified due to German privacy laws.
CBS News' Anna Noryskiewicz said B.'s lawyer surprised the court right at the outset of the Monday hearing when he admitted that his client had committed the crime.
"The accused committed the incomprehensible act," his lawyer Philip Mueller told the district court in the southern town of Kempten.
The lawyer said B. had been motivated to carry out the acts spontaneously and denied any intent. B. also admitted to possessing child pornography right at the beginning of the trial.
Suspects do not enter formal guilty or not guilty pleas to charges in Germany's criminal justice system.
The two women, then 21 and 22 years old, had been hiking in the Neuschwanstein area in June last year when they met B., who offered to take them to a viewpoint, investigators said.
At a secluded spot, the man, then 30, allegedly pushed the 21-year-old woman to the ground and proceeded to rape and strangle her. Her friend intervened, leading to a scuffle in which the man allegedly pushed the 22-year-old off a steep slope.
The accused then continued his sexual assault of the 21-year-old woman, strangling her with a belt while filming the act.
Interrupted by hikers who stumbled on the crime, he pushed the rape victim down the same slope while she was unconscious.
When mountain rescue workers found the two women, the 22-year-old was injured but able to talk.
The rape victim was seriously injured and taken by helicopter to hospital, where she died later that night from her injuries.
"He was aware that the victim could die without help, yet he still left her behind," Mueller told the court.
His client was "deeply ashamed" about his actions and wished to apologize to the victim's family, the lawyer added.
The suspect, who is from Michigan, spoke only to confirm the accuracy of his lawyer's statement to the court.
He is not expected to make any further comments during the trial, scheduled to run until March 13.
The rescue operation and his subsequent arrest took place in front of hundreds of tourists.
One of them was another American tourist, Eric Abneri, from New York, who captured video of B. being taken into custody. He told CBS News after the incident that the suspect's "face was covered in deep red scratch marks and his neck as well."
"There was clearly a struggle there, and he just had a frown on his face," Abneri said. "He didn't say anything. He had a sort of disturbed look."
Built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein castle is one of the most visited sites in Germany, attracting over a million visitors a year.
B. faces up to life in prison if convicted.
On Monday, he also confessed to possession of child pornography, which investigators uncovered as part of their probe into the attack.
- In:
- Rape
- Castle
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
- Germany
- Michigan
veryGood! (3642)
Related
- Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
- 2025 Hyundai Tucson adds comfort, safety features for babies and pet passengers
- Roblox set to launch paid videogames on its virtual platform
- Women settle lawsuits after Yale fertility nurse switched painkiller for saline
- Olivia Culpo Celebrates Christian McCaffrey's NFL Comeback Alongside Mother-in-Law
- Texas is real No. 1? Notre Dame out of playoff? Five college football Week 2 overreactions
- Beyoncé shares another 'Cécred Sunday' video of her wash day hair routine
- Is soy milk good for you? What you need to know about this protein-rich, plant-based milk.
- High-scoring night in NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo explodes for 59, Victor Wembanyama for 50
- A look at some of the oldest religious leaders in the world
Ranking
- Barbora Krejcikova calls out 'unprofessional' remarks about her appearance
- Polaris Dawn: SpaceX targets new launch date for daring crewed mission
- How the iPhone 16 is different from Apple’s recent releases
- JonBenét Ramsey's Dad John Ramsey Says DNA in 27-Year Cold Case Still Hasn’t Been Tested
- Groups seek a new hearing on a Mississippi mail-in ballot lawsuit
- Campaign money? Bribes? Lobbying? Your utility rates may include some, advocates say
- Bruce Springsteen talks 'Road Diary' and being a band boss: 'You're not alone'
- Atlanta Falcons wear T-shirts honoring school shooting victims before season opener
Recommendation
-
Jury awards Abu Ghraib detainees $42 million, holds contractor responsible
-
Department of Justice sues Maine for treatment of children with behavioral health disabilities
-
I'm a retired Kansas grocer. Big-box dollar stores moved into town and killed my business.
-
How the iPhone 16 is different from Apple’s recent releases
-
Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
-
Spring rains destroyed a harvest important to the Oneida tribe. Farmers are working to adapt
-
Kirk Cousins' issues have already sent Atlanta Falcons' hype train off track
-
Cantaloupe recalled for possible salmonella contamination: See which states are impacted