‘Sex fiend’s’ chilling behaviour as cops snared him ‘after hurling two tourists into gorge’ from idyllic castle bridge
A MAN accused of killing a US tourist after hurling her and her pal off a bridge at a famous castle was chillingly silent when he was arrested, a witness said.
The two women, aged 21 and 22, were visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany, on Wednesday when they were brutally attacked.
Police said the pair were by the scenic Marienbrücke Bridge – a 300ft crossing over a gorge that offers a view of the popular castle – when they met a 30-year-old man.
He allegedly lured them onto a trail leading to the viewpoint before he “physically attacked” the younger woman.
Cops said her pal rushed over to help her – but the suspect allegedly strangled her before pushing her over the railing of the bridge into the ravine below.
He then allegedly tried to sexually assault the 21-year-old before also shoving her down the steep 160ft slope.
The 21-year-old woman died after being airlifted to hospital, while her 22-year-old friend remains in hospital.
The suspect fled – but he was arrested at the scene after a huge operation.
Footage shows a handcuffed man in a t-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap being led away by officers.
Eric Abneri, a business graduate from the University of Pittsburgh who took the video, said the man appeared to have scratches across his face.
“He did not say a single word. He didn’t open his mouth – he didn’t mumble,” Abneri said.
“He just walked with the police and that was it.”
Abneri said he and friends reached the scenic viewpoint as a chopper arrived.
“I’m honestly absolutely stunned someone is still alive from this,” he said.
“It is like falling from the top of an absolute cliff.”
Abneri described it as “a very, very difficult rescue because of those cliffs and because the helicopter came mere feet above the tree line at the top of the hill”.
“They did an unbelievable job,” he said.
Cops and mountain rescue teams raced to the area in a fleet of 25 emergency vehicles after the horror attack.
Police said the man they arrested was American and described him as a tourist.
Authorities have not identified either the suspect or the victims.
Chief Public Prosecutor Thomas Hörmann told Bild: “The crime happened on Wednesday around 2.40pm.
“The two tourists met the man on a hiking tour east of the Marienbrücke. And joined him.
“He physically attacked the 21-year-old. The 22-year-old wanted to help, so he choked her and pushed her down the slope.”
Police have launched an investigation into the murder and attempted murder of the tourists, as well as a sexual offence.
It is understood the bridge is open to tourists despite the incident.
The motive for the attack remains unclear. The suspect remains in police custody in nearby Fuessen.
Neuschwanstein Castle, which sits on a rock ledge, was built in the 19th century and boasts more than a million visitors a year.
Thanks to its elaborate design, it served as inspiration for the castle in Disney’s 1995 film Sleeping Beauty.