A recent college graduate from Illinois was tragically thrown to her death by a fellow US man while visiting a castle in Germany, casting a somber tone over what was supposed to be a celebratory trip.
The graduate, identified as 22-year-old Emma Thompson, was on a European tour with four other friends after completing their undergraduate studies. The group had been celebrating their accomplishments and exploring various European countries, with their latest stop being at the picturesque Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.
Local authorities identified the assailant as 25-year-old US citizen, Michael Stevens, with no known prior relationship to the victim. According to witnesses, he reportedly sprinted toward Thompson and pushed her off a cliff near the castle, where she fell approximately 100 feet and died on impact.
German authorities said they arrested Stevens on the scene, and he is currently being held in custody. He faces charges of first-degree murder and could potentially be extradited to the United States to stand trial.
The motive behind the tragic incident remains unclear, as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the young woman’s untimely death. Family and friends of Emma Thompson are grieving her loss, as they attempt to come to terms with this inexplicable tragedy.
Emma Thompson, originally from Springfield, Illinois, was a recent graduate from the University of Illinois, where she majored in political science. She was described as an outgoing, dedicated student with an interest in global affairs. Her professors and classmates remember her as a vibrant, kind-hearted young woman, with an infectious zest for life.
A vigil was organized in her hometown, as hundreds of people gathered to remember and honor her life. The senseless loss of a young life in such a tragic way has resonated with people across the nation, as they mourn the loss of a promising young woman.
As the situation unfolds, many will take pause to honor Emma Thompson’s memory and hope for a swift and just resolution of this heart-wrenching case.
Tags: Illinois college graduate, German castle
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