Madeleine McCann’s parents have agreed to a DNA test to determine whether a woman claiming to be the kidnapped British girl is, indeed, their daughter.
The DNA test could help provide answers to the missing-person case, which has remained unsolved for almost 16 years.
Polish Woman Believes She’s Madeleine
Earlier this month, a 21-year-old Polish woman named Julia Faustyna grabbed news headlines when she began posting on social media about her belief that she’s Madeleine.
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What She Said About The DNA Test
Faustyna, whose Instagram handle is @iammadeleinemccan, recently changed her bio to “Kate and Gerry McCann agreed for DNA test!”
‘I Need To Know The Truth’
This came after she pleaded for help in an earlier post, saying, “I need to know the truth. I need [DNA] test and I need to talk with Madeleine’s parents.”
Madeleine’s Disappearance
Madeleine disappeared in 2007 while on vacation with her family in Portugal. She was only 3 years old at that time.
Faustyna’s Childhood Photos
In mid-February, Faustyna started posting about why she believes she’s the missing girl. She also included her childhood pictures and those of Madeleine.
Early Memories
In one of her posts, she wrote about early memories of “holidays in hot place where was beach and White or very light [colored] buildings with apartments [sic].”
Similarities With Madeleine
She also talked about similarities between her and Madeleine in several of her posts, including her “eyes, shape of face, ears, lips,” moles, and the gap between her teeth.
Coloboma On The Right Eye
One significant similarity is an eye defect called coloboma, which both Faustyna and Madeleine have on their right eye.
A DNA Test Could Provide The Truth
Her posts also include photos and videos showing her resemblance to Madeleine’s parents.
However, she didn’t claim she was 100 percent the missing girl and only said she wanted to know the truth, which only a DNA test could provide.
What Happened To Madeleine
Madeleine was sleeping beside her infant siblings in their Praia da Luz rental apartment while her parents had dinner nearby.
She Went Missing
When her mother checked on them later that evening, the toddler was nowhere to be found.
Faustyna Recognized The Alleged Kidnapper
Police released a sketch of a man that witnesses saw that night carrying a child in the resort. Faustyna shared the sketch on her page, saying she knew him.
‘Very Similar To My Abuser’
“I recognize this person..it looks very similar to my abuser [sic],” she wrote alongside the police sketch she posted on Instagram.
Her Abuser Is Connected With The Kidnapping
In a lengthy Facebook post, which she also shared on Instagram, Faustyna talked about being abused by a German pedophile, which caused her to have PTSD. This German pedophile, along with his son, happened to be connected to Madeleine’s kidnapping.
Response From The McCann Couple
Following the Polish woman’s allegations, a source close to the McCann couple told The Daily Beast they were willing to participate.
A Message From Faustyna’s Spokesperson
However, the ordeal seems to be taking its toll on Faustyna. She has named Dr. Fia Johansson as her spokesperson, and the latter recently shared a video updating followers on Faustyna’s mental state.
Her Mental Health ‘Is Not Good’
“[Julia’s] mental health at this moment is not good,” Johansson said, adding in the caption that her “background was challenging and messy.”
‘Deserves Respect’
“This is a vulnerable woman seeking answers about her identity and her life,” the spokesperson continued. “Regardless of your opinions, she is a human being who deserves respect.”
The Investigation Goes On
The investigation continues in the meantime, and followers have expressed well wishes for Faustyna however the DNA test will turn out.
