Smithman sighting possible explanations

[Redblossom]

do the satements concerning this sighting confirm that the child was alive at this point? If not, then you have another option to add to your list.

They couldnt have known that, but all of them said she was asleep...which begs the question would a child stay asleep out in the cold and wind....perhaps, if the journey was a short one and they were in deep sleep,.... or if they were drugged...Or dead, Ive amended the OP

[patb]

I just checked the English version of the statement and its very unclear (not sure if its bad tanslation or poor police work) as it mentions that the child was in a deep sleep. The obvious follow up question is how did the witness know that? Could the child have been unconcious or dead? Was there something specific that lead them to beleive that the child was asleep (a cough or a movement) or did they take it for granted (the other options being so unusual) based on the fact that she was not moving. At the time, they did not know the context of the sighting so, as with any of us, when you see an adult carrying a small child (who is not moving) at night through the streets, you dont think to yourself "is the child asleep, drugged or dead", you asume she is asleep. But within the context of the investigation, we know the other options are a possibility and the witnesses need to be reporting the facts rather than their own assumptions. This is why good police officers are trained to filter the facts from assumptions when taking statements.

[jassi]

I just checked the English version of the statement and its very unclear (not sure if its bad tanslation or poor police work) as it mentions that the child was in a deep sleep. The obvious follow up question is how did the witness know that? Could the child have been unconcious or dead? Was there something specific that lead them to beleive that the child was asleep (a cough or a movement) or did they take it for granted (the other options being so unusual) based on the fact that she was not moving. It is pretty important.

As he was supposed to be moving quite quickly, they might not have got a really good view of her - they only thought it might be Madeleine, nothing certain - and I'm sure it wouldn't haven't entered their heads that it might be a dead girl being carried.       

[AnneGuedes]

I looked at the site and see that they do have 24 hour service. The private clinic where I live doesn't do emergencies and most Portuguese would go to the ER anyway

The night service is through telephone, the clinic is closed, but eventually can be open by a doctor if necessary.
Smithman was met by the Sr Smith couple at the corner and didn't look at the clinic nor hesitate before crossing 25 de Abril towards Aoife climbing the steps.
Smithman was going down Escola Primaria on his left side of the street as if he intended to turn left in 25 de Abril. Before crossing the Jr Smith couple he moved towards the centre of the street and therefore passed on their left.
when he (Peter) passed the individual, the individual was descending to his right, and went around the deponent in the middle of the street.

edited for correction about the clinic's night service.

[AnneGuedes]

I'm sure it wouldn't haven't entered their heads that it might be a dead girl being carried.       

There's absolutely no doubt about that. And they hardly would have deduced that a barefoot child in light pyjama in the chilly night didn't need a blanket any more.
However the Smith Jr couple had a feeling that, though undetermined, was strong enough to remain impressed in their memory.

[Fern]

What do people think he could have been doing?

-Carrying Madeleine Mccann alive or dead
-Carrying his child home from x y z.....there was a cafe bar near the area, visit to friends or relatives
-Carrying child home after looking after her for friends or relatives for x y z reasons
-Carrying  his child to the medical centre which was nearby or pharmacy also nearby presuming they were open....I know from holidaying in small villages in the Med these dont close till late at night, maybe someone who knows PDL will tell on this
-Carrying to a babysitter/friend/relative for x y z reasons

Any others?

[Redblossom]

Could you please clarify which sighting you are referring to.

The Smith Family sighting...thats why the man is nicknamed Smithman and what is in the thread title
 >@@(*&)


WHY did you edit your post to remove your question?


 >@@(*&)

[Fern]

The Smith Family sighting...thats why the man is nicknamed Smithman and what is in the thread title
 >@@(*&)

So I see   

[Redblossom]

So I see   

Glad to have been of help,welcome....

[DCI]

Amarals description, think he shot himself in the foot 

"The Smith family told us what they saw that night. A man, a foreigner, of athletic build, a sunburned face, like those of tourists, who was hiding his face in order not to be seen, carrying a blonde child in his arms"

[jassi]

Amarals description, think he shot himself in the foot 

"The Smith family told us what they saw that night. A man, a foreigner, of athletic build, a sunburned face, like those of tourists, who was hiding his face in order not to be seen, carrying a blonde child in his arms"

In what way ? and why do you find it amusing?

[DCI]

Amarals description.

"The Smith family told us what they saw that night. A man, a foreigner, of athletic build, a sunburned face, like those of tourists, who was hiding his face in order not to be seen, carrying a blonde child in his arms"

Martin Smith

Regarding the description of the individual who carried the child he states that: he was Caucasian, around 175 to 180m in height. He appeared to be about 35/40 years old. He had an average build, a bit on the thin side. His hair was short, in a basic male cut, brown in colour.
Urged, he states that the individual did not appear to be a tourist.

Peter Smith
Questioned, states that the individual did not speak nor did the child as she was sleeping deeply. He adds also that the individual did not try to hide his face or lower his look, [doing] nothing [that would be] perceived as strange.

[Redblossom]

DCI, with respect, if you want to have a laugh at Amaral or discuss his book, start your own thread as your posts are off topic here, your answer to the OP would, though, be most helpful


Eta and Amaral said exactly the same as Martin Smith, he was a foreigner,(ie local) not a tourist but tanned (like one)

[jassi]

I wonder how you decide who looks like a tourist ?

[DCI]

DCI, with respect, if you want to have a laugh at Amaral or discuss his book, start your own thread as your posts are off topic here, your answer to the OP would, though, be most helpful

No they are not! And thats not from his book, its what he's saying now about the Smith sighting

Topic = Smithman sighting possible explanations