[Doug]

This case as always gives me a sense that all isn’t right in the coal shed. I have always believed that one or both parents have something to hide over the loss/death of their child.

What struck me the other day was the mother saying that they where loving, responsible parents? This does not fit the picture of parents leaving three children under the age of three alone whilst they go out to enjoy a evening meal, being medical professionals you would have thought that they would have understood the risks involved in leaving underage children alone at night, especially in a strange place. I would also consider the repetitive visiting of the apartment through the night a bit risky also.

Personally I feel that the Police are closer to the truth than we might expect. Whatever the case these people should be subject to investigation on there eventual return home for negligence and child neglect the same as any parent would face in the UK for leaving children alone and exposed.

The other thing that struck me was the fact that until last week the parents of Madeline had insisted that would stay abroad until the daughter was found, after becoming suspects they have made the statement that they can’t wait to leave Portugal. Strange that.

Just word of caution. In Britain most child murders are done by a parent, relative or someone known to them, and quite often it is a child from a normal family with a good reputation. I think we would wish or want the outcome to be different, for the perpetrator to be caught and for Madeline to come home to her family, God if it could be, then let it be, but I fear this may turn into one of those tragic cases where an act of selfishness lead to the death of a loved one. What ever the truth, let there be justice.