One American woman is dead and another in serious condition after they were attacked while hiking near a famous castle in Germany.
Authorities say they were approached by a man, also American, at Neuschwanstein Castle. The man offered to take them to an area that offered a better view.
While walking along the trail, the man “physically attacked” the younger of the women, according to state prosecutor Thomas Hörmann.
He added that they believe that the attack on the 21-year-old woman, whose identity has so far been withheld, was sexually motivated.
At that point, her companion, 22 years old and identity also withheld, came to her aid.
“The 22-year-old wanted to help, whereupon he strangled her and pushed her down the incline,” Hörmann said. In the scuffle, both women fell into the ravine.
They were found 50 meters down, laying side by side, when they were recovered by a rescue team and flown to a medical facility by helicopter.
The 21-year-old later died of her injuries.
The attacker fled the scene, but authorities have a suspect in custody. A video posted online by a bystander showed a man taken away in handcuffs clad in jeans, a T-shirt and a baseball cap.
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