>Troy Philipp B faces several charges, including one count of murder over a 21-year-old woman's death, and attempted murder of the victim's friend, a 22-year-old woman.

>The 31-year also admitted to sexually assaulting the 21-year-old and pushing both women off a ravine.

>He may be jailed for life if convicted.

>"The accused committed the incomprehensible act," lawyer Philip Mueller said of his client on the first day of the trial at district court in the southern town of Kempten.

>Lawyers denied the suspect acted with intent, telling the court that he acted spontaneously.

>Mr Mueller said his client was "deeply ashamed" of his actions and wanted to apologise to her family.

>B, who is from Michigan in the US, also admitted to possessing child pornography, which officials discovered during their investigation.

>The two women met Troy Philipp B near the Marienbrucke bridge - a popular viewpoint used by tourists to view the castle.

>He then led them to a hidden trail, on the pretext that the way to the bridge was difficult to navigate. Once in a secluded area, the man shoved the 21-year-old to the ground, raping and strangling her before the 22-year-old tried to stop him.

>He then pushed the 22-year-old into the 50m deep (164ft) ravine and continued assaulting her friend, strangling her with a belt and recording it.

>B then pushed the unconscious 21-year-old victim into the same ravine after some hikers came across the scene.

>Mountain rescuers were able to the locate the women, but the 21-year-old woman died from her injuries in hospital. The 22-year-old suffered numerous injuries but survived.

>The suspect was detained later that day after a massive police manhunt involving more than 25 vehicles.

>A tourist from New York witnessed B being taken into custody and said his "face was covered in deep red scratch marks and his neck as well", adding "there was clearly a struggle".

>The victims names have not released due to Germany's privacy laws.