Portugal Cops End Maddy Investigation

Officials cite lack of evidence in case of child missing since '07
By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 21, 2008 2:56 PM CDT
Portugal Cops End Maddy Investigation
An appeal to help find missing British child Madeleine McCann is shown at halftime of the FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, May 19, 2007.    (AP Photo)

After 14 months, Portuguese police officially ended their investigation into the 2007 disappearance of 3-year old British girl Madeleine McCann, the BBC reports. A lack of evidence has brought the case—which began after Madeleine disappeared from a vacation apartment—to a standstill, Portugal's attorney general said. Madeleine's mother and father are no longer considered suspects.

A lawyer for the McCanns—who plan to continue the search for their daughter with private investigators—said they were “relieved,” but there was “no degree of celebration.” Former police chief and lead investigator Goncalo Amaral has told the BBC he believes Madeleine died in the apartment; Amaral was kicked off the case last October for reportedly criticizing British police. (More Madeleine McCann stories.)

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