In a surprising turn at Leicester Crown Court, DNA evidence has confirmed that Julia Wandelt, the Polish woman who claimed to be Madeleine McCann, is not related to the missing girl’s family. Forensic tests showed no match between Wandelt’s DNA and that of Madeleine, who tragically disappeared in 2007. The court was told that Wandelt, alongside Karen Spragg from Cardiff, is accused of stalking the McCann family, sending them emails, making phone calls, and even appearing at their home.
Forensic expert Rosalyn Hammond highlighted the results: “The profiles are significantly different. Julia Wandelt is not the biological child of Kate and Gerry McCann.” This revelation challenges Wandelt’s unfounded claims of being Madeleine.
The saga began when Wandelt was arrested at Bristol Airport for her persistent harassment of the McCanns. Despite her insistence on having a near 70% match with DNA from the scene in Praia da Luz, further analysis proved otherwise, indicating she isn’t linked to the scene or the McCanns.
Both Wandelt and Spragg plead not guilty to the stalking charges. As the trial progresses, it sheds light on the complex and emotive case surrounding Madeleine’s disappearance, a mystery that continues to captivate public attention. Stay tuned for further updates as the trial continues.