MADDYWATCH: Madeleine McCann’s Family House
Anorak’s at-a-glance guide to press coverage of Madeleine McCann
DAILY EXPRESS: Front page, plus pages 4 and 5, with logo (“THE HUNT FOR MADELEINE: Day 117”). “MADELEINE: NEW SETBACK OVER CRUCIAL DNA EVIDENCE” announces THE WORLD’S GREATEST NEWSPAPER.
It reports that a “devastating blow” has been struck – which turns out to be the news that the DNA tests will not be ready for weeks. The tests are being carried out at the Forensic Science Service in Birmingham, so there is no opportunity to blame the Portuguese authorities on this occasion. The paper has to content itself with the comment that the tests are being delayed by “the nature of the evidence”.
The paper notes that as the McCanns try to come to terms with losing Madeleine “they continually face new accusations”.
It then lists these “vicious smears” and describes each one in detail: “Kate’s guilt”, “Drugging their children”, “Wife-swapping holidays”, “Excessive drinking”, “Children left to cry”, “Killed in the apartment”, “A body in the hire car”, “Emergency call delay”, “Intercepted phone calls and emails”, “Friends under suspicion”, “Forged birth certificate”.
For reasons best known to itself, the paper prints a picture of the McCanns’ home, with a caption noting that it is worth £600,000.
THE STAR: Most of page 9. “DIVIDED IN GRIEF: Pals fear Maddie parents’ rift. “Friends” are apparently “concerned about GP Kate’s crestfallen body language”.
Portuguese newspapers are accusing the police of driving a wedge between the couple to test their individual accounts of what happened on the fateful night. They also claim that a rift has developed over the media campaign.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Small box, page 2. “Expert warns McCanns of long wait for DNA results” The paper reports on the delays, and says that the McCanns have been advised not to return to Britain until the results are known.
OTHER PAPERS: No Madeleine news today.
Posted: 28th, August 2007 | In: Madeleine McCann Comments (386) | Follow the Comments on our RSS feed: RSS 2.0 | TrackBack | Permalink
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August 29th, 2007 at 9:04 am
For clarification
Births are registered at a Registrars Office, and the parent(s) give the details which are filled in by the Registrar,and then witnessed. There is no way anyone can change those details without re registering. Doctors do not fill in birth certificates, they do issue Death certificates which are passed to the Registrar and others.
On the topic of the cadaver dog, there have been no recordings of deaths in that apartment either before or since the McCanns were in residence.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:04 am
To Jeeves (113)
Hi Jeeves, you must be a very experienced investigator yourself – saying that the PJ are not very good. Why exactly do you say that? I’d like to have your expert view on the PJs investigative methods:
Are they poor because they haven’t solved the case yet? Do you know how many children go missing in Britain every year? Do you know how many are found? Scotland Yard has a really good track record in these investigations… if you visit MissingKids.org.uk and take a quick look at how many kids go missing in the UK and how many are found perhaps you’d change your mind.
Or is it because the PJ don’t talk to the press? As far as I know, secrecy laws surrounding the investigation are not exclusive to Portugal. They are exactly the same in most European countries except in the UK. It merits some discussion if the UK system of openly communicating details of an investigation is better than the secrecy system used in many other countries… if you look at crime-solving success rates in the UK by comparison with the rest of Europe…????
Let me give you an example: Amanda Dowles disappeared in March 2002, the police made an appeal and immediately put 50 officers in the case (Portuguese police between PJ and GNR had over 200 officers in the Madeleine case), they did not as far as we know close UK borders (as was at the time suggested as the key failure of Portuguese police). The body of the victim was found in September of the same year (6 months)… but to date no one has been charged with murder. Now, that’s a fine example of a good investigation is it?
Since the beginning, British police officers have been involved in the investigation. I reckon you’d be better off criticizing why the so-called best lab in Europe is unable to deliver any results on the blood samples.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Pat, do be careful with the word “suspect”. What the PJ says, repeatedly, is that they are not, and have never been “arguido”, there has only been one “arguido” in the case, Robert Murat. Now, “arguido” translates very badly in English because it is a legal figure that originated as a defense against secret police investigations in Salazar’s regime. It is, in fact, an element of “fair trial”, like habeas corpus, because if the police directs an investigation to someone, it is obliged to consider them “arguido” and therefore to give that person the right to be interrogated with a lawyer, to refuse to answer anything that might incriminate them, to know what is in the process being put together (which is secret until the prosecution considers it ready, where it becomes public), to present evidence, in brief, to prepare his or her defense. A person can, and do, ask to be “arguido” for that purpose, which I think, is what Murat has done, counseled, no doubt, by his Portuguese lawyer.
Obviously, all this works very well inside the judicial system, because everybody knows what they’re talking about, but the general public doesn’t get it because all they see is an element of “guilt”. That is true even in Portugal, it gets even worse in translation.
I will add that I am positive that the PJ “suspects” (in the ordinary sense) the McCanns (it would be foolish not to do it, considering the statistics), but will deny as much as possible (that is, until they have solid proof, not just circumstantial proof) that is directing the investigation towards them because that leaves them a lot more freedom of investigation. As long as they are considered witnesses (and victims), they do not have access to the investigation files, for example.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:48 am
a lot of the theories and, dare I say it, lies that are taken as fact are quite funny, but the syringe by the bed is the best one yet.
Oh yes…. even in the outrageous scenario of them injecting their kids, like they’d leave a syringe beside the bed for the police to find!
I much prefer the alien theory myself.
Molly, I also understood that the whole parentage thing had been covered in the v. early stages. Apparently its par for the course because fathers aren’t always fathers!
Nothing to do with the McCann children being IVF babies.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Crimson: (123) Shame on you taking words from GM’s blog out of context. Thats is EXACTLY what the tabloids do to create their angle. I see Pat added some missing context, but there is also the following sentence upfront:
“We, like everyone else, await the results of the forensics from the recent searches. We do not know who has taken Madeleine or why. ”
Somebody said the McCanns don’t visit this site or similar. They or one of their relatives/team almost certainly do. It will be part of how they understand what people are saying and why the make various comments at times.
GM said he wanted the media speculation to end not coverage. There is a big difference. The Times for example covers the story when and only when there is real information to share. It is that type of coverage that he is looking for.
I will say that I expected them to hire an ex-MI5 type to do some private investigative work for them. What none of us knew until the Springwood article is that PI work on criminal cases is illegal in Portugal.
I am certain that behind the scenes, the M’s are devastated. They are probably extremely frustrated with the PJ secrecy and lack of progress.
They have to maintain a good relationship with the PJ. Not everyone needs to wear their heart on their sleeve and as doctors they most certainly don’t.
I expect that GM had agreed with the Spanish TV interviewer that they would not ask questions regarding the evidence/investigation. Hence his reaction.
If I understand the current situation correctly:
1) There are reports of cadaver dogs reacting. Only the handlers would no for sure. The dogs are actually trained to freeze/hover over spots rather than ‘react’ eg. bark etc. So press reports and Springwood reports are extremely suspect.
2) Blood spots were found and have/are being analysed - PJ have indirectly confirmed this. I’m probably inclined to believe the N. European male story on this bit.
3) There is a ton of other forensic material (vacuumed up) from all the locations they search including RM’s house/car etc. This must be seperated and analysed for DNA - that is the piece that is taking so long. Its very complex and probably wasn’t even possible until a few years ago ie. there is no UK Government conspiracy.
So GM’s blog rather says it all at this point.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:29 am
Wow! I’ve only just caught up on this particular thread and there are a lot of good posts here.
There is one thing that I would like to lay to rest though - the matter of Gerry’s parentage.
Right back at the beginning of this case the PJ took DNA samples of Madeleine from her toothbrush/hairbrush (it is not clear in the translation exactly which it was), and matched the DNA to samples taken from Kate and Gerry McCann. They are BOTH her biological parents. This was fully reported in the Portuguese press at the time.
Given that over half of all abducted children are abducted by a parent this was a logical first step, and the PJ have indirectly confirmed this by repeatedly stating that they have fully investigated the pasts and backgrounds of the McCanns and have found NO reasons to suspect that Madeleine was abducted because of anything in the McCanns’ pasts.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Today’s portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha mentions that police found a seringe in the bed side table at the Mccanns bedroom. http://www.correiodamanha.pt
If this is true it can only give strenght to the theory that madeleine and the twins were sedated the night Madeleine went missing.
However, the seringe alone would surely not constitute enough evidence to suggest the mccanns are somehow involved in Madeleines death or disappearance.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:37 am
Stefanie is this the pool guy who cleans the MW or not? Old link about a love triangle and a nervous and frightened Murat.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=maddie-suspect-in-love-triangle&method=full&objectid=19110193&siteid=66633-name_page.html
August 29th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Crimson&Clover Did you forget to mention Mr. McCann also said this:
If you have done something you regret, if you find yourself in a situation you never intended, it is not too late to do the right thing. Please come forward, return Madeleine, leave her in a place of safety. At the very least, help us by letting us know what has happened to our beautiful little girl.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:07 am
Yes Moderation I agree with you a lot. I don’t understand the reports about the dogs. HELP
August 29th, 2007 at 6:05 am
Richard You are funny.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:03 am
emma1975 What is a skip rat?
August 29th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Crimson at least he is talking more than jogging.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:49 am
Crimson&Clover You found that at the blog?
August 29th, 2007 at 5:47 am
Sorry, I think Mr. Sousa said the McCanns are not suspects as of now.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:44 am
Wow I think Mr. McCann egg head days are over. If he didn’t cover up a death and take us on a round the world live television scam tour, as some suggest, then he might be getting ready to get to the bottom of this. I hope so!
One report suggested Mr. McCann didn’t look when he supposedly saw the bedroom door open and Madeleine wasn’t in her bed. I can’t believe it. If Mr. McCann noticed Madeleine moved to another room and Mr. Oldfield checked later and said she was sleeping in her bed? that would be an interesting circumstance. I have also read various reports about Mr. Oldfield’s check. I don’t believe Mr. McCann found the bedroom door open but left the apartment without making a determination about Madeleine’s whereabouts. NO. No way.
There were reports about a white van in the area at a very early date in the investigation. There was a report about a white van seen outside the McCanns a previous night. The Dutch study claimed use of a white van on the night Madeleine vanished. Too much mention of a white van for all the mentions to be inaccurate. YES.
The Portugal policeman, Sousa?, talked about the strong theory of a tragic accident and there have been mentions of e mails. Although I have read unoffical reports stating the McCanns and friends are not suspect at this time, the article I read Mr. Sousa speaking he did not mention the friends but only said the McCanns were not considered suspects. That could be a coincidence I don’t know. Only knowing what I do I can’t rule out any of the friends because one of them could have been involved in some way or medicated Madeleine, in theory.
The weak area for the McCanns is offering no explanation for a crying child on a previous night, Mrs. Fen’s reported testimony, with few checks the night of the abduction. From the weak area develops the medication theory which does not only indicate one possibility. A medicated child is easier to walk off with or something could happen to a medicated child. The McCanns say they didn’t medicate the children. I don’t know. Could someone else have medicated Madeleine?
If Moderation is correct and the McCanns went to the Tapas around 8:30 I doubt very seriously they went out knowing something happened to Madeleine. I see how the theory develops that something happened. What I don’t see is how a mysterious white van was around a previous night and also a white van involved, according to the Dutch study, the night Madeleine vanished can be overlooked. I don’t know without more info how to explain the reported findings of the dogs. With the white van in the picture, people aware the children are alone, access to the apartment out of view, the unlikely chance Mr. and Mrs. McCann are CRAZY enough to travel around the world trying to pull off a very public live cover up… Also, the fact they claim to know more which they can’t tell so what could that be???
For now, if a white van was around a previous night and also indicated on the night Madeleine vanished something more appeared going on than a tragic accident covered by the parents. In theory, even with the white van it is hard to rule out whether a McCann friend could be involved.
My thoughts are only based on what I read and how true the info is, what I don’t know which might be very important, and the fact it is too hard to believe this could all prove to be a soap opera cover up. I am concerned and confused about what may or may not have happened as a result of the dog sniff reports.
Although there has been no official word pointing to the children’s room, the location of the room on the back of the complex, out of view of the Tapas, appears not a good idea for a number of reasons.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:54 am
what is the link for Mccanns blog ?
August 29th, 2007 at 3:55 am
Chilling words from Gerry’s blog dated 8/28/07. Was he standing in front of a mirror while reciting this speech? Should it turn out that the mccanns are behind it, there will be much self-incriminating testimony. Criminologists should have a field day with thisone. Sort of like when the villan returns to the scene of the crime or re-enacts in his own mind what happened on “that night”. This is starting to taste reminiscent of O.J.’s book “If I did it”….here’s how I’d do it, what I would be thinking, feeling. Getting inside the mind set of a guilty conscience. This no longer sounds like a parent searching for an abducted child. It sounds more like someone trying to rationalize their own perverse actions. The walls are closing in on the mccans. Will loose lips sink ships? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds. Quite a cliffhanger.
“Sometimes people do things for reasons that even they cannot understand. An act of madness, an accident or sudden impulse can lead to consequences that people may never have imagined or intended. Faced with such a situation we believe any human soul will ultimately suffer torment and feelings of guilt and fear”
If you have done something you regret, if you find yourself in a situation you never intended, it is not too late to do the right thing”
August 29th, 2007 at 3:32 am
What were the ages of the McCann’s friends children? Have they been questioned and were they also left alone? Also, what is a “tapas” bar? Sorry about all the questions, no idea what really happened. Kate Mccann does seem extremely emotionless. Has anyone noticed how put together she ALWAYS looks? Pretty amazing.
Thank you,
Kelli USA
August 29th, 2007 at 3:06 am
Maybe and maybe not. Maybe she was put to bed, and maybe she was already dead and buried, and the whole “They’ve taken her” thing was staged to cover that up.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:57 am
I’ve read many transcripts and many blogs about Madeleine McCann’s. Yet, thre are many questions to be answered. I don’t want to go back into details as to why so many say what occured.. If, I say if.. Madeleine was in her bed when their parents went into their dinner with friends, what was their thinking when, “Lets have a wonderful diner with great friends”. Meanwhile, parents should have a concern about children any given time. Babysitters are available where you travel. If not, there is options, where you and your companion, take the responsibilty!
August 29th, 2007 at 2:48 am
Why is it that only now the McCanns say they don’t want the publicity anymore, when only a week ago Gerry McCann said they wanted to RAISE her public profile? Is it because the police and the media are now too close to home. Much better I presume to let the PJ bumble on without the media in tow sniffing out more revelations.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:24 am
Another thing that puzzles me. Why were the McCanns not more critical of the abysmally poor investigative methods of the PJ and did not hire a private eye when they have all the money at their disposal to do just that, and everyonye even expects it?
Why does the low standard of investigation not seem to bother them? It would have totally driven me nuts. Why does it only bother them that the PJ say Madeleine is probably dead?
Why did they apparently not react even a little when witnesses claimed to have sighted her?
Fishy.
Why all the baloons? Did they want to reinforce public perception that Madeleine was abducted, even though they themselves, by their own admission, never spent a MINUTE searching for her?
And why the visit to the Pope all in a panic? Confession?
Why did they not hire a babysitter when they were offered the service? Is it because they knew that the kids were not likely to wake up?
Why did medics so supposedly well-trained in scienitific procedures to SAVE lives, apparently overlook the most basic ,easures to keep their own children safe and well?
Or did they?
August 29th, 2007 at 2:21 am
Olivia http://www.findmadeleine.com
if you don’t like brian adams (singing brian as opposed to dreaming brian) turn your speakers down. the site is filled, as you would expect with images of the missing child. i see it as an obiturary and cannot even bear to look at it, it’s too sad.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:58 am
why have they not denied being swingers?
August 29th, 2007 at 1:52 am
Hi
Could you please send me Kate and Gerry McCann’s website — I am based in the USA and have not been able to find it — in response to what penster said above.
Best
Olivia
August 29th, 2007 at 1:46 am
Olivia Eden you should post your question (113) on their website. I dont think they are here.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:33 am
It was an abduction by aliens, plain and simple. Why can’t everyone get it? No, wait, maybe it was a conspiracy, planned by GWB and his Newcon friends. I KNOW!!!! She was teletransported to a remote part of the Kalahari desert. Yes, that’s it! THat’s where we’ll find her. Why aren’t the police out there searching?
Poor Madeleine, My heart goes out to her if this is the best we can do for her.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Response to itsme Itsme you are getting all of us ladies upset.
The fact that someone could know their child just died and continue to the Tapas for the evening is ??????? too much for me to imagine. I don’t think so. Maybe some of what they do I don’t understand but NO not that. If they were at the apartment, as you suggest, they only need to explain the child had a reaction to a medication which they didn’t anticipate.
Also you say below:
what you think ?
- someone else died there, and now noone in the holiday resort did notice or remembers ? …and then the mccanns coincidentally got into exactly this apartment later ?
Well, I don’t know that is what happened no. There is a house I do know where a person comitted suicide and years later with new owner another person committed suicide in the same house and the same way. The house was one house down from where I lived. Places have energy… I believe that!
I see the reason to speculate about whether the children were medicated. The older lady with the group reportedly said the twins were sleeping during the initial search. It is hard to know how quiet the apartment was with all of that but? and also I read that REPORTEDLY Mr. McCann’s sister said Madleiene was at times? given something for sleep walking.
Please help two questions 1.What are, if any, the circumstances where the trained dogs give false indications?
2. What time did the McCanns go to the Tapas that night?
Later I will be back.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:57 am
Post 99 kath Says:
August 28th, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Hear, hear Jonathan (post 96)
Make that a triple over here!
Message to Post 108 - swingers are not photo opportunistic - they go under cover and usually stay amongst friends. How do you know Kate swings?
Is it true? left or right?