The search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared from the resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007, has resumed as both German and Portuguese police intensify efforts to uncover new evidence in the long-standing case. Madeleine was only three years old when she disappeared. At the time, her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were having dinner at a close by restaurant. They abandoned her toddler twin siblings and Ms. McCants alone in their apartment, leaving them underage and unsupervised.
Eighteen years later, investigators are turning their collective firepower towards pinning it on prime suspect Christian Brückner. Brückner is serving a 6-and-a-half-year sentence for raping a 72-year-old woman in Praia da Luz, in 2005. He is due to be released this September unless authorities successfully charge him with something more. This race against time has been compounded by his upcoming release.
The renewed search zeroes in on an entire rural county that’s experienced almost no growth. This place is only a few miles from Praia da Luz. About 30 German police officers including forensic experts are joining their Portuguese counterparts and firefighters in this unprecedented operation. To start, they’ll explore 21 sites for renewable development. This includes locations where line trenches were dug around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance. Investigators will be looking into drinking and irrigation wells, as well as Native American ruins and water tanks to uncover any significant evidence.
The joint investigative team wants to collect any information that connects Brückner to the case. The search comes as Madeleine’s family commemorated the 18th anniversary of her disappearance, expressing their unwavering determination to continue seeking answers. She put a full stop on what they felt was beautiful and unique about her, their everlasting love and hope.
“As well known as a colourful dog.” – Christian Brückner
This latest – and final – development is the culmination of a case that has transfixed public attention for almost 20 years. Investigators have faced years’ worth of obstacles along the way. The extent of collaboration between German and Portuguese authorities is an encouraging sign of a renewed commitment to solving the mystery of what happened to Madeleine.
The search effort will focus on new investigative techniques as well as the skills of forensic specialists. Officials say they’re hopeful that this renewed publicity will produce new tips or evidence. One of their goals is to prove or disprove Brückner’s ties to the case.