American Man Who Befriended Two Recent Grads Hiking in Germany Pushed Them Off Cliff Near Castle: Officials

An American man is behind bars after he allegedly killed a recent college graduate and attempted to kill her friend after meeting them, authorities said.

Eva Liu, 21, and 22-year-old friend Kelsey Chang recently graduate with computer-related degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and went to Germany to celebrate,The Guardian reported.

While there, the pair met another American, who is accused of luring the women to a lookout point while on a hike near Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

On the way, authorities said, the 30-year-old man, who has not been publicly identified, sexually assaulted Liu and pushed her down a 165-foot slope. He then attacked Chang when she attempted to help Liu and also shoved her over the incline, officials said.

Liu died from her injuries after she was airlifted to an area hospital. Chang was seriously injured.

The man was charged with murder and attempted murder, according to authorities.

The victims' alma mater said in a statement that the pair were unable to celebrate their graduation and accomplishments without “such a tragic outcome.”

“Our University of Illinois family is mourning the senseless death of Ms. Liu and the attack on Ms. Chang,” the statement reads. “Our thoughts are with Ms. Chang as she recovers and with both of their families as they grieve.”