The case of missing British toddler Madeleine McCann has taken a dramatic turn as prosecutors in Germany rush to charge their prime suspect before he has a chance to walk free.

Madeleine, just three years old at the time, vanished in May 2007 while vacationing with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal.

Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were dining at a nearby restaurant when they discovered she was missing from their rental apartment. Her disappearance sparked an international search and became one of the most widely covered missing-person cases in modern history.

A heartbreaking anniversary

Now, 17 years later, Kate and Gerry McCann are still searching for answers. Marking this tragic milestone, the couple released a touching statement:

“It’s 17 years since Madeleine was taken from us. It’s hard to even say that number without shaking our heads in disbelief. Whilst we are fortunate in many ways and able to live a relatively normal and enjoyable life now, the ‘living in limbo’ is still very unsettling. And the absence still aches.

Your support continues to encourage us and bolsters our strength to keep going. We know the love and hope for Madeleine and the will to find her, even after so many years, remains, and we are truly thankful for that.

Thank you again for remembering Madeleine and all missing children. Kate and Gerry.”