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A US man has been sentenced to life in prison for the rape and murder of a fellow American tourist and the attempted murder of her friend near one of Germany’s top visitor attractions.
A German court convicted Troy Philipp B, 31, for the attack on the two tourists near Neuschwanstein Castle.
Last month, he admitted attacking one of the women before pushing her and her friend off a ravine on 14 June 2023.
He had befriended the two women before luring them off the public path.
In Monday’s sentencing in district court in the town of Kempten, Bavaria, Presiding Judge Christoph Schwiebacher noted the “particular severity of guilt” in the case.
He indicated the killer would probably not be eligible for parole after 15 years, which is typical for people who receive life sentences in Germany, according to Agence France-Presse news agency.
German officials have not identified the victims, but relatives have named them as University of Illinois graduates Eva Liu, 21, and Kelsey Chang, 22.
The Michigan man lured the two friends away from the Marienbruecke bridge, a popular viewpoint for the fairytale castle.
He led them to a hidden trail, telling them that the way to the bridge was difficult to navigate.
Authorities say he then shoved Ms Liu to the ground, raping and strangling her before Ms Chang tried to stop him.
He pushed Ms Chang into the 50m deep (164ft) ravine and continued assaulting her friend, strangling her with a belt and recording it.
He then pushed an unconscious Ms Liu into the same ravine after some hikers came across the scene.
Mountain rescuers were able to the find the women, and they were airlifted on helicopters. Ms Liu died from her injuries in hospital.
Ms Chang had severe injuries, but survived.
The suspect was not detained until later that day after a massive manhunt.
A tourist who witnessed his arrest said his “face was covered in deep red scratch marks and his neck as well”, adding “there was clearly a struggle”.
At trial in February, the defendant said he was “deeply ashamed”, of his actions, which he claimed were not premeditated. He also admitted to possessing child pornography.
In an obituary, relatives described Ms Liu as “a bright and inquisitive student with many passions, including baking, traveling, and music”.
“Eva’s infectious smile, sweet treats, and unwavering love and support for family, friends, and all who knew her will be dearly missed,” the obituary said.
The German court did not release the killer’s full name, citing privacy laws.
Located 78 miles (126 km) from Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria draws over 1.3 million tourists each year.
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