New German suspect in Madeleine McCann mystery disappearance.

[barrier]

It would be interesting to know if Martin Smith recognises this man?

Or Jane Tanner.

[Miss Taken Identity]

I have read that his name was put forward by a friend after they had watched a programme on the 10th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance. The friend was also shown video of the rape at the same time. I really can’t believe that the German police would prioritise an investigation into a rape over, what could have been, an alive, disappeared child.

I am finding the whole thing like a bad movie. Keep watching even though it doesn't make any sense.

If this friend saw images of a woman being raped  on MBM's 10th anniversary, how come it was never mentioned at that time by the friend. Did this friend know about MBM and his friends stay in PDL at the time, did the friend mention MBM at the time to any police team?

it would be very interesting to find out if MBM was picked up via walking and wandering or how they got in and out of the apartment. I am still ruling out the window and shutters.

[Myster]

The German suspect's full mugshot revealed...

[Miss Taken Identity]

The German suspect's full mugshot revealed...

did he look like that back in 2007?

[barrier]

The German suspect's full mugshot revealed...

Ah! but which one is it? Tannerman,Binman,Smithman,Eggman? Smellyman,the list is not exhaustive.

[Vertigo Swirl]

Not necessarily.

From Misty's link, it seems he's only recently been convicted of the lady's rape, although it's not entirely clear if the article refers to an appeal hearing or not. (I had read somewhere unverifiable that he'd been convicted in latish 2018, hence my query.)

Seven years in prison for brutal rape in Portugal

Brunswick. A 72-year-old was raided in her home 14 years ago. The 43-year-old denies in the Braunschweig evidence process that he is the culprit.

Bettina Thoenes
17.12.2019 - 4.30 p.m.


I find it possible that the police wanted to get one case done and dusted (the lady's rape) without noise from another one (the potential Madeleine connection).

The fact that he is now definitely behind bars may also be an incentive for potential witnesses to feel safer in coming forward.

I find it strange that a serious case or torture and rape of a holidaymaker was never once mentioned as having taken place in PdL only a year or two before Madeleine went missing.  I would also be very interested to know what efforts the Portuguese police went to to find this woman’s assailant and if this known sex offender living in the area was ever questioned by them in connection with the rape.  One can only assume not, as they had hair samples and had he been questioned and DNA taken he could have been arrested, charged and imprisoned and then unable to commit any further crimes in the area for the forseeable future.

[Vertigo Swirl]

The German suspect's full mugshot revealed...

What a nasty piece of work.

[faithlilly]

I am finding the whole thing like a bad movie. Keep watching even though it doesn't make any sense.

If this friend saw images of a woman being raped  on MBM's 10th anniversary, how come it was never mentioned at that time by the friend. Did this friend know about MBM and his friends stay in PDL at the time, did the friend mention MBM at the time to any police team?

it would be very interesting to find out if MBM was picked up via walking and wandering or how they got in and out of the apartment. I am still ruling out the window and shutters.

I think the friend went to the police straight after he was given the information and saw the video. Why it’s taken three years to get to this point...you knows.

[Carana]

I have read that his name was put forward by a friend after they had watched a programme on the 10th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance. The friend was also shown video of the rape at the same time. I really can’t believe that the German police would prioritise an investigation into a rape over, what could have been, an alive, disappeared child.

We don't know how much credible information needed checking out about any of the cases. The German police appear to have classified it as a murder investigation (contrary to the UK), although why isn't clear. Possibly for legal or financial reasons.

If initial checking didn't result in anything concrete (e.g, if it's true than an initial tip-off was provided in 2013), then it could have been put on the back-burner until further info came to light.

[Myster]

did he look like that back in 2007?

He looks younger than 43, but might be one who has a perpetual youthful baby-face.

[Mr Gray]

We don't know how much credible information needed checking out about any of the cases. The German police appear to have classified it as a murder investigation (contrary to the UK), although why isn't clear. Possibly for legal or financial reasons.

If initial checking didn't result in anything concrete (e.g, if it's true than an initial tip-off was provided in 2013), then it could have been put on the back-burner until further info came to light.

As its a crime in another country classing it as a murder may give them jurisdiction

[Carana]

I find it strange that a serious case or torture and rape of a holidaymaker was never once mentioned as having taken place in PdL only a year or two before Madeleine went missing.  I would also be very interested to know what efforts the Portuguese police went to to find this woman’s assailant and if this known sex offender living in the area was ever questioned by them in connection with the rape.  One can only assume not, as they had hair samples and had he been questioned and DNA taken he could have been arrested, charged and imprisoned and then unable to commit any further crimes in the area for the forseeable future.

I haven't found where she lived - she could have been under the Faro jurisdiction. The PJ weren't known for reporting on anything other than a successful charge.

As for the PJ understanding DNA... in 2005?

[Vertigo Swirl]

I haven't found where she lived - she could have been under the Faro jurisdiction. The PJ weren't known for reporting on anything other than a successful charge.

As for the PJ understanding DNA... in 2005?

The crime happened in PdL, so presumably that’s where she lived.  Aren’t incidents of violent torture and rape reported in the media in Portugal, or is there a complete news black out on all crimes u til charges are brought?  I find that very hard to believe.  Did the PJ not understand that you could match hairs found at the scene to potential suspects? 

[Vertigo Swirl]

The German suspect's full mugshot revealed...

His hair is dark blonde, which under artificial light at night  could pass as much darker IMO.

[Carana]

As its a crime in another country classing it as a murder may give them jurisdiction

I confess I know nothing whatsoever about German criminal law. My understanding (from memory)  is that normally a crime is judged where it took place with a few exceptions, sometimes related to offences against children, or organised crime / international trafficking.

In the rape case, there was a legal mess over jurisdiction on various criminal charges to sort out.

The German police may have taken the lead in the investigation for the moment as the guy is German and is currently in their custody.