The globally recognized case of Madeleine McCann, the British child who vanished 17 years ago, has once again hit the headlines — this time because of a shocking accusation by an American woman.
A 22-year-old Arkansas woman, Eugenea Collins, has come forward stating she believes she may be Madeleine McCann.
Her statement astounded many and brought fresh media attention to the world’s most tragic missing child in a long time.
Eugenea said that she was raised without knowing who she was. When she went to get her official documents like a birth certificate or social security card, she was told that they do not exist.
This raised numerous questions in her mind. She claims that her family never went out of their way to tell her about information pertaining to her past.
This confidentiality around her identity made her feel that she might have been abducted or separated from her biological family.
To receive answers, Eugenea had herself DNA tested. Her test showed that she is 68% Northwestern European and English — fitting in with the British blood of Madeleine.
This is not enough evidence in itself, though, according to experts, to confirm that she is Madeleine McCann.
She has tried contacting police authorities in both Britain and America in hopes of having the case investigated further but states that no one has given her any credence up to now.
Her story quickly went around social media and news channels, with differing views from the public.
There are those inquisitive people who want the case reopened and investigated in depth.
Others believe that maybe it is just another publicity-seeking accusation, as in previous cases.
It is not the first time that an individual has said they might be Madeleine. In 2023, Polish woman Julia Wandelt made headlines with claims of being Madeleine.
However, it later came to light through DNA tests that Julia was not Madeleine. She was even arrested for creating distress in the McCann family by making false claims.
Madeleine McCann’s parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have not yet responded to Eugenea’s accusation. They have previously usually remained quiet unless there is concrete evidence to support such accusations.
Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007 at the age of 3 during a family holiday in Portugal. She has been missing for years despite the presence of hundreds of searches, investigations, and suspects.
Police are investigating, but as yet, nothing has been discovered to substantiate what has happened to Madeleine or where she could be.
Eugenea’s story has once again reminded the world of the pain and the enigma surrounding Madeleine McCann’s disappearance. Whether she indeed is Madeleine or not is yet to be determined.
This tale, however, does show the strength and emotion that stories of missing people have — particularly in instances where hope and questions still persist more than a few years later.
