DNA tests have confirmed that Julia Wandelt, a 24-year-old woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann, is not the missing child. Madeleine was three years old in 2007 when she vanished from the Ocean Club holiday resort in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Her disappearance gained international attention and remains unsolved.
Wandelt began claiming she was Madeleine in 2022 and was arrested in early 2025, along with Karen Spragg, for stalking Kate and Gerry McCann. At the time of arrest, Wandelt’s DNA was taken. The test results, revealed at a recent trial, conclusively proved she is not Madeleine.
Police said they only agreed to the DNA test to possibly stop Wandelt’s behavior toward the McCann family, as usual protocol avoids DNA testing unless convincing evidence exists. The McCanns had already dismissed Wandelt’s claim after viewing a photo in 2022. Nevertheless, Wandelt continued to send messages and visit the family, pressuring for DNA proof.
Prosecutors have also charged Spragg from Cardiff, Wales, who supported Wandelt’s claims, with stalking. Both women deny the charges. While the DNA test closes one chapter, the search for Madeleine carries on.
