Major Madeleine McCann Twist as Prime Suspect Could Walk Free Within Weeks
The man named as the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann could be released from prison in just days, sparking fresh fears that justice may slip through the cracks. Christian Brueckner, 48, is currently serving a seven-year sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz—just two years before Madeleine vanished from the same resort in 2007.
Despite being accused by German prosecutors of murdering the missing British girl, Brueckner has always denied any involvement in her case. Now, in a move that’s sent shockwaves through both legal teams and the public, Brueckner is seeking early release from prison—and insiders say it might just work, reported the Express.
His legal team is making the bid before a court decides whether to appeal his recent acquittal on separate rape and child sex abuse charges. If they succeed, Brueckner could walk out of prison before any new arrest warrant can be issued. Prosecutors are said to be deeply concerned, fearing he may flee and disappear for good.
A source close to the case told The Sun: “Normally a move like his bid for an early release would be laughed out of court. But everyone is very nervous after what happened with his rape trial last year. The court was surprisingly favorable to him.”
The worry is that, if the appeal against Brueckner’s acquittal goes through, it could result in a fresh arrest warrant. His legal team appears to be moving quickly to avoid that scenario, possibly giving him a narrow window to get out and stay out.
Meanwhile, those working on Madeleine’s case are quietly preparing behind the scenes. Key witnesses are reportedly being called into confidential meetings as the possibility of new charges looms.
The fear, according to insiders, is simple: if Brueckner is released and vanishes, it could be a devastating blow for the investigation—and for Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry, who have never stopped searching for answers. One source put it bluntly: “If he disappears, it’s a disaster.”
Since Madeleine disappeared nearly 17 years ago, the McCanns have clung to hope. When Brueckner was officially named as a suspect in 2020, they said: “All we have ever wanted is to find her, uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace.” Now, that long-awaited truth could be slipping further out of reach.