Investigators in Portugal may have uncovered a key piece of evidence in the long-running case of Madeleine McCann, the British toddler who vanished in 2007. A semi-automatic firearm was recently found near the former residence of Christian Brueckner, the main suspect in the investigation. The discovery has added new urgency and weight to a case that has remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

The weapon, a 6.35 caliber pistol, was located during a coordinated search of a remote, overgrown area near Brueckner’s former cottage in the Algarve region of Portugal. This area is not far from Praia da Luz, the resort town where three-year-old Madeleine disappeared while vacationing with her family. The search took place last week and was jointly carried out by Portuguese and German authorities, who have been collaborating closely on the case for several years.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the firearm has not yet been ruled out as potentially connected to the McCann case. Another gun discovered during the same operation has already been dismissed, deemed a non-functioning relic with no forensic value. However, this particular semi-automatic pistol is being treated with a far greater level of seriousness.

In addition to the gun, the search also yielded other potentially relevant materials. According to British media outlet The Sun, investigators uncovered various items including articles of clothing and what appeared to be animal bones. These items are currently being held in Portugal and have not been transferred to Germany. Forensic analysis is expected to be conducted locally first, with any significant findings to be shared later with German prosecutors.

A police source familiar with the operation stated, “A Portuguese team will first assess whether any of the findings are relevant to their investigation. Only then will the results be shared with German authorities. No physical samples have been removed from Portugal.” This reflects a cautious, methodical approach to evidence handling, ensuring that nothing is compromised before a full assessment can be made.

German prosecutors have praised the operation, describing it as “excellent and very constructive.” They emphasized the cooperative nature of the joint investigation and reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Madeleine’s disappearance. Christian Brueckner remains the central figure in the case, and German authorities are working under intense pressure to bolster their legal argument before his expected release from prison in September.

Brueckner, now 48 years old, is currently serving a prison sentence for the 2005 rape of a 72-year-old American woman in Praia da Luz—the same town where Madeleine was last seen. That conviction, along with a series of other offenses, has made him a person of great interest to both German and Portuguese investigators. The discovery of the gun so close to his former property has only intensified that scrutiny.

Experts have weighed in on the latest developments, noting that the newly discovered items could be significant in establishing a clearer picture of Brueckner’s past behavior. Professor Robert Green, a forensic science expert at the University of Kent, highlighted that some of the recovered evidence—including a mask, firearms, and a hard drive—suggests a possible history of criminal conduct that may go beyond the known charges.

“These finds suggest a broader pattern of behavior that merits thorough investigation,” Professor Green told The Mirror. “Renewed searches like this reflect the long-term commitment to solving the McCann case and the belief that fresh evidence could still lead to a breakthrough.”

Forensic experts have already been called in to analyze the bones that were uncovered, though so far, they’ve only been able to study them via video footage. Without physical examination, no conclusions can yet be made. It’s unclear whether the bones are of human or animal origin, and investigators are exercising caution until the full forensic work can be completed.

The renewed interest in the scrubland area stems from recent intelligence gathered by authorities, believed to be tied to Brueckner’s past movements and behavior patterns. The decision to revisit areas near his former home signals a broader strategy by law enforcement: to leave no stone unturned in their effort to close one of the most haunting missing child cases in modern history.

While officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of the tip-off that led to this latest search, it’s understood that authorities are now focused on compiling a stronger case against Brueckner in time for his release. Any potential lapse in evidence could hinder the prosecution’s ability to bring formal charges in connection to Madeleine’s disappearance.

The McCann case has captivated global attention for over 17 years, drawing intense media coverage and public speculation. Madeleine was just three years old when she went missing from her family’s vacation apartment in Praia da Luz on the night of May 3, 2007. Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, have never given up hope of finding their daughter and continue to push for answers.

In recent years, German prosecutors have declared they believe Madeleine is dead and that Brueckner was likely involved in her disappearance. However, no body has ever been found, and Brueckner has not been formally charged in relation to the case. His legal team has maintained his innocence, and he has denied any involvement.

As the investigation presses on, the newly discovered firearm, along with the other items, represents one of the most concrete developments in recent years. The fact that the gun was found near Brueckner’s former residence—coupled with his criminal history—has given renewed momentum to a case that many feared might never be solved.

Authorities remain cautious but optimistic. With Brueckner’s prison release approaching, investigators are racing against time. The pressure is mounting to either formally link him to Madeleine’s disappearance or pivot the case in another direction based on new evidence. For now, every shred of information, every object recovered, and every piece of forensic analysis could bring the investigation one step closer to finally solving the mystery that has haunted families around the world for nearly two decades.