Police Uncover Evidence In Madeleine McCann Case That 'Indicates She's Dead'

Warning: This article contains sensitive details involving child abuse and rape, which may be upsetting for some readers.

Investigators say they’ve found deeply troubling evidence in Christian Brueckner’s home. This evidence reportedly points to the likelihood that Madeleine McCann, who vanished years ago, is no longer alive.

Madeleine went missing 18 years ago. The British toddler, just three years old at the time, disappeared while on holiday with her family at an apartment complex in Praia da Luz, Portugal, back in 2007.

Her disappearance led to a massive investigation that spread across Europe. Despite all efforts, for many years, no clear answers emerged about what happened to her.

But in 2016, a dog searching a property belonging to Christian Brueckner—a run-down factory in Neuwegersleben, central Germany—alerted to what appeared to be a grave.

When the spot was checked, they discovered the remains of Brueckner’s dead dog, as well as a wallet containing six USB sticks and two memory cards.

Further disturbing items were reportedly uncovered at the factory, which Brueckner is said to have bought just a year after Madeleine went missing. Details of these findings have been brought forward in an investigation by The Sun.

According to the outlet, those USB sticks and memory cards contained horrifying material. This included content that seemed to support allegations about Brueckner’s obsession with abducting children, transcripts of chats with other paedophiles, and graphic child abuse images.

Alongside the electronic devices, police also allegedly found children's clothing and toys, various masks, unidentified chemicals, and three firearms. A suitcase was discovered with photos showing young girls, believed to be around four or five years old. Authorities also noted there were over 70 swimsuits for children, as well as more toys.

One photo found reportedly links Brueckner to a location close to where Madeleine disappeared.

It’s been claimed that some of the images on those devices are viewed as key evidence, strongly suggesting Madeleine likely passed away not long after she went missing.

Not long after the 2016 search, Brueckner was arrested and later convicted for abusing a child, though it was unrelated to Madeleine’s case.

In February 2016, after photos were found on his laptop, Brueckner was convicted for sexually abusing a five-year-old girl in a public park. He fled but was arrested in Italy in September 2018 and extradited to Germany the following year.

In December 2019, DNA results tied him to the rape of a woman in Praia da Luz back in 2005. He was sentenced to seven years in prison for that crime and remains behind bars.

Then in 2020, German authorities officially named him as a suspect in Madeleine’s case. For the first time, prosecutors publicly stated they believed she was no longer alive.

Madeleine McCann went missing at the age of three in 2007 FindMadeleine.com

However, in October 2024, Brueckner was acquitted of five sex crimes that were said to have taken place in Portugal between 2000 and 2017. As of now, no charges have been brought against him in connection to Madeleine’s case, and he has denied any involvement.

This new investigation from The Sun comes just as Madeleine’s parents marked the heartbreaking milestone of 18 years since their daughter disappeared. Although they said they had "no significant news to share," they remained firm in their resolve to keep searching and "leave no stone unturned."

Their message concluded with: "May is also Madeleine's birthday - her 22nd this year. No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day. We continue to 'celebrate' her as the very beautiful and unique person she is. We miss her."