Madeleine McCann Case: Authorities Renew Search 18 Years Later

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The search for Madeleine McCann is back on.

19 years after Madeleine McCann vanished from a Portuguese resort at the age of 3, authorities in Portugal have resumed their search for her, following a request from German investigators who are looking into Christian Brueckner, a convicted rapist they believe might be responsible for McCann’s death. However, Brueckner has maintained his innocence regarding her disappearance.

As reported by the Associated Press, quoting a Portuguese police source, investigators are planning to conduct extensive searches in the vicinity of Lagos this week.

According to NBC News, on June 3rd, a convoy of police cars was spotted traveling along a dirt path in the vicinity where McCann vanished. Approximately 25 German investigators were accompanying them. The ongoing search is anticipated to continue until Friday, June 6th, as reported by the source.

According to NBC News, a residence previously inhabited by Brueckner is located in the vicinity of the search area. It’s said that this area contains numerous ditches and wells as well.

In 2020, authorities implicated Brueckner as a possible suspect in the disappearance of McCann. However, at that time, German media referred to him simply as “Christian B.” as reported by the BBC (and he would be officially recognized as such in 2022).

At that moment, Kate McCann and Gerry McCann, who have consistently claimed their innocence in relation to their daughter’s vanishing, conveyed their appreciation towards the police.

Originally, they expressed their desire: “To locate her, expose the truth, and make those accountable face justice,” was what they conveyed then, according to the BBC. Now, they continue with unwavering optimism that Madeleine may still be found alive. However, regardless of the final outcome, it is crucial for them to discover the truth in order to find closure and peace.

Five years ago, in May, it became public knowledge that Brueckner, who had been imprisoned in Germany for raping a 72-year-old woman in Portugal in 2005, would be released from prison.

Next month, he’s set for release following his acquittal last year on five separate sexual misconduct allegations, as reported by BBC News. However, the prosecution has chosen to challenge this verdict.

For many years, McCann’s parents have openly expressed their persistent wish for clarity, regardless of the outcomes, as they strive to maintain a sense of closeness with their deceased daughter.

On the 18th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance, they updated their Find Madeleine website, expressing that time seems to be flying by. Despite having no major updates to report, their commitment to thoroughly investigating every aspect remains steadfast. They pledge to do their best to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.

They mentioned, taking note that it would have been McCann’s 22nd birthday, “Regardless of where she might be, she remains close with us every day, but even more so on her special day. We continue to honor her as the exceptionally beautiful and distinct individual she was. We dearly miss her.

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2025-06-03 20:18