Madeleine McCann’s parents will be honoring their daughter’s memory at a prayer service on the 15th anniversary of her disappearance as the suspect recently named in her case could be charged this week.
Kate and Gerry McCann will be joining family, friends, and supporters in their home village of Rothley, Leics, on May 3.
Madeleine McCann’s Parents Speak As Suspect in Their Daughter’s Case Could Be Charged This Week
In a joint statement posted to their official website, the couple said they had been informed of the latest developments by the UK’s Metropolitan police, “We welcome the news that the Portuguese authorities have declared a German man an ‘arguido’ in relation to the disappearance of our beloved daughter Madeleine,” they wrote.
The German sex offender, Christian B, 44, has been made an “arguido,” or official suspect. He has also been linked to child murders across Europe.
“This reflects progress in the investigation, being conducted by the Portuguese, German and British authorities,” the McCann’s continued. “It is important to note the ‘arguido’ has not yet been charged with any specific crime related to Madeleine’s disappearance,” they wrote on their website.
“Even though the possibility may be slim, we have not given up hope that Madeleine is still alive and we will be reunited with her.”
Madeleine McCann went missing at the age of three while on holiday with her family in Portugal in 2007.
She was last seen in her bedroom on May 3, 2007, during a family holiday in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz while her parents were dining with friends nearby.
The three-year-old’s parents were named as suspects in 2007 but their names were eventually cleared. The disappearance of Madeleine — or “Maddy” as she is known in Britain — sparked a massive search effort and an international media frenzy.
No trace of her has ever been found and next month will mark 15 years since Madeleine disappeared.
“This year we mark fifteen years since we last saw Madeleine,” the couple posted in an update to their website. “It feels no harder than any other but no easier either. It’s a very long time.”
“Many people talk about the need for ‘closure’. It’s always felt a strange term. Regardless of outcome, Madeleine will always be our daughter and a truly horrific crime has been committed. These things will remain. It is true though that uncertainty creates weakness; knowledge and certainty give strength, and for this reason our need for answers, for the truth, is essential. We are grateful for the ongoing work and commitment of the UK, Portuguese and German authorities as it is this combined police effort which will yield results and bring us those answers,” the family continued.
“As always, we would like to thank all of our supporters for their continued good wishes and support. It is a huge comfort to know that regardless of time passed, Madeleine is still in people’s hearts and minds. Thank you,” the McMann’s concluded.
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