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The Remains Of 'America's Madeleine McCann' Have Been Discovered By Police

The Remains Of 'America's Madeleine McCann' Have Been Discovered By Police

Very sad news.

James Dawson

James Dawson

The remains of a six-year-old American girl, dubbed 'America's Madeleine McCann' due to the similarity in the two disappearance cases, have been discovered by police.

Schoolgirl Isabel Celis went missing from her bedroom nearly five years ago, sparking a huge search involving thousands of officers.

Comparisons have often been made between Isabel's case and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, who was three-years-old when she disappeared from her bed in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, whilst her parents were out dining with friends.

Isabel was 6 when she disappeared from her Tuscon home in April 2012. Despite making headlines around the world and police following 2,200 leads, authorities made little progress on the case until this year.

Credit: Facebook

However, her remains were discovered last month, but have now been identified by forensic experts, Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus said.

"This is not the ending that any of us hoped for but it is also not the ending of the case," he said.

The police chief said Isabel's body had been discovered 'not by happenstance', but it is not yet known how she died as he declined to say what led officers to the site.

No arrests have been announced and the chief would not discuss suspects at a news conference.

When Isabel first vanished it was suggested that her bedroom window may have been forced open as an entry point for the abduction.

Credit: Facebook

Neighbours were also said to have heard male voices and the barking of a dog at about 6.30am the morning she was reported missing.

Her family released a statement which said: "We want to thank the community for the support they have continued to show for Isa over the years and for refusing to give up hope.

"Now is our time to mourn. We ask for privacy during this time so that we can do that."

READ MORE:

Kate McCann's Choir Hoping To Win 'Britain's Got Talent' In Secret Audition

Kate And Jerry McCann Deny They Are Cashing In On 10 Year Anniversary Of Madeleine's Disappearance

Sadly the search for Madeleine McCann continues, with it announced last month that police investigating the case have been given extra funding as they chase a specific person to interview.

The person was near the area where Madeleine went missing from in the coastal resort of Praia da Luz, in May 2007.


Credit: Facebook

A Home Office spokesman said: "Following an application from the Metropolitan Police for special grant funding, the Home Office has confirmed £85,000 in operational costs for Operation Grange for the period April 1 until September 2017.

"As with all applications, the resources required are reviewed regularly and careful consideration is given before any new funding is allocated."

Featured Image Credit: Facebook

Topics: Madeleine McCann