At the storied Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany on Wednesday, a 21-year-old woman was attacked and hurled from a hill, and she later died as a result.
The woman, who has not been identified by the prosecution, allegedly died the next day after being thrown 50 meters into a gorge.
She was also pushed when she tried to stop the attacker, and her friend, a 22-year-old woman, is still in the hospital with serious injuries.
A US man has reportedly been detained by police in relation to the attack.
The 30-year-old tourist, who has not been identified by the police, initially ran away, according to the authorities.
He was subsequently apprehended on Wednesday after a massive police manhunt that involved over 25 vehicles, and was taken to a police station in the nearby town of Fuessen in the state of Bavaria.
According to German media, the women were both citizens of the United States. According to a statement from the police, they think the man met them on a trail close to the Marienbrücke bridge. Tourists frequently use this location to see the castle from a distance.
He then attacked the 21-year-old woman after leading them on a secret trail under the guise that the path to the bridge was difficult to follow.
According to Bavarian police, when the 22-year-old tried to step in, "he choked her and then pushed her down a steep slope.".
Police stated that "it must be assumed" that a sexual offense against the 21-year-old was attempted.
They continued, "He then shoved her down the slope, where she came to rest about 50 meters next to her friend.
The 21-year-old was transported by helicopter to the hospital, but she later passed away from her wounds. Police found her friend, who is reportedly in a serious condition, and he or she was awake and talking.
On Thursday, the man appeared in court at Kempten District Court, where the investigating judge issued an arrest warrant and the man was placed under house arrest.
Reporters were told by senior public defender Thomas Hormann that the incident was still under investigation.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Germany is Neuschwanstein. According to the Bavarian finance ministry, more than 1.3 million people visit the site each year.
It was constructed in the 19th century and was the main residence of the local rulers, located about 126 kilometers (78 miles) from Munich.