Confession: Man Pleads Guilty to Raping and Killing American Tourist in Germany

A man from the US has admitted to raping and murdering an American tourist near Germany's famous Neuschwanstein Castle in June last year. The accused, Troy Philipp B, is facing several charges, including murder and attempted murder. He also confessed to sexually assaulting the victim and pushing both women off a ravine. If convicted, he could potentially be sentenced to life imprisonment. The trial began in the town of Kempten, where the defense argued that the suspect acted impulsively rather than with premeditation. His lawyer also expressed remorse on his behalf and stated that he wished to apologize to the victim's family. Additionally, B admitted to possessing child pornography, which was discovered during the investigation. The incident occurred when the two women met B near the Marienbrücke bridge, a popular spot for tourists visiting the castle. He then lured them onto a hidden trail, claiming it was the only route to the bridge, where he attacked the 21-year-old victim. The 22-year-old attempted to intervene but was also assaulted, and B recorded part of the incident. Following the arrival of hikers, B pushed the unconscious 21-year-old into the ravine. Mountain rescuers eventually found the women, but the younger victim unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. The 22-year-old, though injured, survived. B was apprehended later that day after an extensive search involving numerous police vehicles. A witness from New York described seeing him in custody with visible scratch marks and signs of struggle. Germany's privacy laws prevent the release of the victims' names. Neuschwanstein Castle, located in Bavaria and approximately 78 miles from Munich, is a popular tourist destination with over 1.3 million visitors annually. Built during the 19th Century as a royal residence, it was never actually occupied.