The key suspect linked to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been sighted donning a fake beard in an attempt to conceal his identity. Christian Brueckner was observed wearing the disguise while strolling around the German town where he currently resides after his recent release from prison. He used the beard to mask his face while requesting food at a pizza shop late on a Friday evening, claiming he was recently freed from jail and lacked funds to pay.
According to witnesses, despite the false beard, Brueckner was still recognizable, and the synthetic material beard was a different color from his natural hair. The shop worker mentioned that Brueckner asked for free food, referring to his release from prison and expressing hunger, which raised suspicions among the staff. They eventually identified him as the suspect in the Madeleine case and provided him with a free slice of pizza.
The woman reported that Brueckner revisited the shop on Sunday without the false beard, but he was promptly escorted out by the staff. In an earlier interview, Brueckner’s lawyer revealed that they had discussed the idea of altering his appearance by potentially resorting to disguises or plastic surgery to avoid recognition.
Brueckner’s attempt to hide in his new community was unsuccessful, as his identity was exposed when he entered a shop at the main train station and was recognized by women who started screaming upon seeing him. Previously residing in a rundown farmhouse near Praia da Luz during Madeleine’s disappearance in 2007, Brueckner is now accommodated in a private flat provided by the German authorities.
Following his declaration of homelessness, Brueckner was relocated to emergency housing in the city, initially placed in a homeless hostel before being relocated due to security concerns. As part of his release conditions, he is required to wear an ankle monitor for five years and risks re-incarceration if he violates any bail terms.
Despite ongoing investigations, authorities have not yet charged Brueckner in connection with Madeleine’s disappearance, a case he denies involvement in. Prosecutors are awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his acquittal on sex crime charges in Portugal. Additionally, Brueckner is scheduled to appear in court next month on charges of insulting a prison officer, potentially facing a fine.
