German Man Describes 3 Attackers; Sketch Is Released

A German man who is unable to speak after a robbery attack that left his wife dead told authorities in writing that three teen-agers attacked him, authorities said Thursday.

Klaus Pfleger, 64, of Emmerich, Germany, was able to describe one of the attackers well enough for authorities to release a composite sketch. Sketches of the other two are likely to be released within days, Riverside County sheriff’s spokesman Mark Lohman said.

Lohman described the three assailants as male, 17 to 20 years old, and ranging in height from 5 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches. All had dark eyes and hair.

Based on interviews with witnesses who saw the attackers drive along scenic California 243, authorities said they were driving a late-model two-door coupe, possibly forest green.

Pfleger and his wife, Gisela, 62, were shot as they gazed out over the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild on Monday. Gisela Pfleger was shot in the head several times and killed. Her husband was shot once in the shoulder and twice in the head.