The tranquil setting of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany was shattered by a brutal and heinous crime that left one young woman dead and another fighting for her life. A 31-year-old American man was convicted by a German court of raping and murdering 21-year-old Eva Liu, and attempting to murder her friend, 22-year-old Kelsey Chang, near the picturesque castle.
The two friends, recent graduates from the University of Illinois, had innocently met the attacker by the Pöllat Bridge, a popular spot for panoramic views of the fairy-tale castle. Little did they know that their encounter would turn into a nightmare as the man lured them onto a secluded trail leading into the forest.
In a chilling and premeditated attack, the man strangled Ms. Liu with a belt, raped her, and then pushed her into the gorge below, treating her like a “bag of garbage,” as described by the judge overseeing the trial. Ms. Chang bravely tried to defend her friend but was also pushed off the bridge, miraculously surviving the fall.
The court established the “particular gravity of the guilt” in this case, ensuring that the defendant will not be eligible for parole after the customary 15 years. The judge also noted that the women may have been targeted because of their Asian heritage, as the defendant had a preference for Asian women, as evidenced by pornographic materials found in his possession.
The defendant now has one week to appeal the decision, and only if the judgment is made final will it be determined whether he will serve his sentence in Germany or be extradited to the United States. This tragic and senseless crime has shocked the local community and serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk even in the most idyllic of settings.
