A new theory regarding the 2007 disappearance of 3-year-old British girl Madeleine McCann in Portugal has been reported by a Portuguese newspaper, suggesting she may have been accidentally run over by a drunk German woman, whose British husband allegedly helped dispose of the body at sea. The report also claims German prosecutors potentially disregarded this lead in favor of pursuing prime suspect Christian Brueckner, as authorities face a deadline before Brueckner’s unrelated prison sentence ends.
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Portuguese Report Details Alternative Theory
The Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha reported on a new lead that emerged in 2018. A British woman reportedly contacted UK authorities expressing concern that her brother and his German wife were involved in Madeleine’s disappearance from their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz.
The sister allegedly told authorities her brother, who is an alcoholic, had appeared to be hiding a painful secret since the time Madeleine vanished. Her suspicion stemmed from years of believing her brother was covering up an incident where his wife allegedly ran over Madeleine while intoxicated.
This information was forwarded to Portuguese police. They reportedly discovered a significant overlap with a report filed on May 4, 2007, just one day after Madeleine disappeared. A neighbor of the same British man and German woman had reported hearing a heated argument during which the man repeatedly yelled, “Why did you bring her!?” The neighbor described the couple as alcoholics, noting the woman was German and the man British. Correio da Manha stated this was the same couple mentioned by the British sister and that the woman had been drinking near the Ocean Club resort where Madeleine was staying.
Photo of young Madeleine McCann who disappeared from Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2007
The newspaper claims this theory suggests the German woman may have hit Madeleine with her car, panicked, and potentially driven the child home before disposing of the body at sea with her husband’s help. A witness reportedly told police at the time that they had seen a woman and a young girl in a car matching the German wife’s vehicle.
Allegations Against German Prosecutors
According to the Correio da Manha report, efforts to investigate this alternative theory were reportedly hindered by German authorities. Portuguese investigators allegedly sought authorization for a covert operation where an undercover officer would attempt to befriend the German woman to obtain a confession.
The newspaper claims German prosecutors refused this request. Correio da Manhã stated, “It was decided to continue solely with the investigation into suspect Christian Brueckner, rejecting other possibilities.” The paper also reported that German authorities declined requests to investigate the possibility that the German woman drove Madeleine home after hitting her and disposed of the body.
Aerial view of the Ocean Club resort complex in Praia da Luz, Portugal
Context: The Christian Brueckner Investigation
This new report emerges as German authorities intensify their focus on Christian Brueckner, who was named a prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance in 2020. Despite this status, Brueckner has never been charged in the case.
His current prison sentence for an unrelated crime is scheduled to end around September 17. Prosecutors are reportedly in a race against time to gather sufficient evidence to justify a new arrest warrant and prevent his release.
Earlier attempts to extend his detention by prosecuting him for other unrelated sexual offenses collapsed in October, with a German judge reportedly deeming much of the evidence insufficient. This has left investigators primarily focused on establishing a definitive link between Brueckner and Madeleine’s disappearance.
German and Portuguese police recently conducted renewed searches for evidence in the scrubland near Praia da Luz, the coastal area where Madeleine vanished 17 years ago. German prosecutors have stated they have a substantial volume of evidence, including digital material and writings, which they believe supports their case against Brueckner. Authorities have expressed concern that Brueckner could disappear if released.
Investigators search a rural area near Praia da Luz for evidence in the Madeleine McCann case
The investigation into Madeleine McCann’s disappearance remains open, with authorities in Portugal, Germany, and the UK continuing to pursue leads while facing the complexities of multiple potential theories and the passage of time.
