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It comes as after a month-long investigation into his age confirmed he was at least 22 years old when he committed the crime - not 17, as he had claimed. Maria Ladenburger’s body was found in a river on October 16 last year near the southwestern German city of Freiburg, where she volunteered helping migrants in various shelters and homes. On the night of the 19-year-old's death, she was ambushed, raped and drowned as she cycled home from a party.

CEN Maria Ladenburger’s body was found in a river on October

Her death sparked national outrage, which saw fresh waves of hatred towards refugees in the country. Police arrested Hussein Khavari after linking his DNA to traces found at the crime scene. When questioned, Khavari claimed to be only 17 years old - meaning he would only serve a maximum 10-year prison sentence if found guilty. However, an age report commissioned by the prosecutor’s office has confirmed he was at least 22 years old at the time of the teenager’s murder.

CEN Maria's murder sparked national outrage against Angela Merkel's immigration policies

As part of the investigation into his age, German authorities used X-ray images of the suspect’s clavicle and tarsal bones, which were studied in detail. The results of the investigation will now clear the way for Khavari to be tried as an adult - where he faces a life sentence. The suspect has been in investigative custody during the age testing, and refused to be questioned by forensic medical experts.

CEN Maria's parents asked mourners to donate to a charity helping refugees instead of buying flowers