German prosecutors charge US man with murder in Castle attack

A 31-year-old US man has been charged with murder and attempted murder four months after a violent attack near Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria that left one woman dead and another injured, a German public prosecutor said on Thursday, reported dpa.

The attack occurred in June near a bridge popular among tourists for its view of Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Germany.

"The accused is suspected of having deliberately directed the two women from the hiking trail to a viewpoint a few metres away," the prosecutors reported.

The man allegedly shoved the younger woman, aged 21, to the ground to undress her and when the 22-year-old intervened, he pushed her down a 50-metre slope.

The prosecution suspects he then strangled and raped the 21-year-old before throwing her down the slope as well.

Both women were seriously injured. The younger woman died from her injuries.

The man is also accused of rape resulting in death, dangerous bodily harm and possession of child pornography after corresponding files were found on his phone and computer.

The German regional court must now examine the charges and decide whether the case will be heard in public.

A court date has not yet been announced.