The primary suspect linked to the disappearance case of Madeleine McCann has been relocated to temporary housing after being released from prison.
Christian Brueckner, a convicted rapist who maintains his innocence, registered himself as homeless in Neumunster, about 40 miles north of Hamburg. The city’s press secretary, Stephan Beitz, confirmed that Brueckner sought shelter in Neumunster for safety reasons after his release from Sehnde prison near Hanover, where he served a seven-year sentence for assaulting a pensioner.
Following his release, Brueckner was spotted heading to a McDonald’s, situated next to a store specializing in baby and toddler clothing. He was accompanied by his lawyer, Friedrich Fuelscher, whose office is located in Kiel, just over 20 miles north of Neumunster.
Despite being named the main suspect by German prosecutors in June 2020 in the Madeleine McCann case, Brueckner has not been formally charged, although authorities claim to possess evidence linking him to the abduction and murder of the three-year-old.
As part of his release conditions, Brueckner is required to wear an ankle monitor for five years and must notify probation officials before changing his residence. He is also facing court proceedings next month in Oldenburg for allegedly insulting a prison officer, which may result in a fine.
Despite an extensive investigation, law enforcement has not made progress in charging Brueckner in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance. Last October, he was acquitted of multiple sexual offenses in Portugal, with prosecutors awaiting the outcome of appeals lodged at Germany’s Federal Court of Justice.
Brueckner resided in a rundown farmhouse near Praia da Luz when Madeleine went missing from the Ocean Club resort while her parents were dining nearby. He denies any involvement in the case.