Madeleine McCann’s parents issue emotional message as police say new evidence suggests she’s dead

Eighteen years after Madeleine McCann disappeared, her parents have shared a heartfelt message — just days before police revealed they have evidence indicating she is no longer alive.

Three-year-old Madeleine vanished in 2007 while on holiday in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Her disappearance triggered one of Europe’s largest missing person investigations, which remains unsolved.

Ahead of the 18th anniversary, Kate and Gerry McCann said:

“We’d like to thank our faithful supporters for never forgetting Madeleine.
May is also her birthday — her 22nd this year. No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us. We miss her.”

Shortly after, German police made headlines by referencing material found years ago at a property belonging to Christian Brueckner, the main suspect.

In 2016, investigators found USB drives and hard disks at Brueckner’s disused German factory, alongside 70 children’s swimsuits, toys, masks, chemicals, and illegal weapons. The devices reportedly contained disturbing child abuse images and Skype conversations with pedophiles.

Brueckner, currently serving time for a 2005 rape in the same resort town, was officially named a suspect in Madeleine’s case in 2020. He denies involvement, but prosecutors say the evidence strongly suggests Madeleine died shortly after her disappearance.

Photographic evidence allegedly places him near the scene around the time she went missing.

While the case remains open, authorities and Madeleine’s family continue to seek answers — and justice.