Madeleine McCann disappeared from her holiday apartment in Portugal at the age of three in 2007, sparking global intrigue for nearly two decades.
A new documentary titled “Madeleine McCann: The Search for a Suspect” is airing on ITV, revisiting the various theories surrounding her disappearance since she went missing while on vacation in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Initially, the McCanns were considered suspects by Portuguese authorities, but this suspicion was later dismissed upon their return to the UK. Recently, German prosecutors declined to investigate a couple who alleged they accidentally hit Madeleine with their car while under the influence of alcohol.
Following a tip-off from a British woman, Portuguese authorities sought permission from German officials to deploy an undercover officer to investigate a potential lead implicating a German woman as the driver involved in the accident. However, the request was denied by German authorities.
While one theory suggests Madeleine may have been run over, another hypothesis entertained by Portuguese prosecutors is that she was abducted, possibly for child trafficking purposes. Investigators explored the possibility of a planned abduction and released e-fit images of two Portuguese men suspected of collecting fake charity donations in the area at the time.
Despite speculations, prosecutors believe Christian Brueckner, a convicted pedophile, is responsible for Madeleine’s abduction but lack concrete evidence to charge him. Brueckner, the prime suspect named by German prosecutors in June 2020, denies any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
The documentary raises questions about justice when evidence against a suspect remains inconclusive. Dr. Graham Hill, a former senior detective and criminal profiler, will provide insights into his profiling of Brueckner in the unsolved case of Madeleine.
“Madeleine McCann: The Search for a Suspect” is scheduled to be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player in September.
