The case of missing British toddler Madeleine McCann has taken a dramatic turn as German prosecutors race to charge their prime suspect, Christian Brückner, before he potentially walks free. Madeleine, just three years old, vanished in May 2007 while vacationing with her family in Portugal, sparking an international search.
Now, 17 years later, her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, continue to search for answers. On the anniversary of her disappearance, they shared a heartfelt message, expressing their ongoing pain and gratitude for the support they’ve received.
Brückner, a 48-year-old convicted offender, has been a key suspect since 2022. Last year, a former prison cellmate testified that Brückner confessed to abducting a child in Portugal, claiming he took Madeleine after finding her in an open apartment window.
Brückner is currently serving a seven-year sentence for unrelated crimes but has requested early release. This has raised alarm among investigators, as his release could hinder the McCann case. Prosecutors are considering charging him with Madeleine’s disappearance to keep him in custody. If the court grants his release, the McCanns’ legal team is prepared to appeal.
The McCanns remain hopeful that justice will finally be served after nearly two decades.
