US Woman Insists She's Madeleine McCann, Shares DNA Test to Prove It

Tributes to Madeleine McCann in her hometown of Rothley taken on May 17, 2007. Photo by Quakerman. Public domain.

The mystery of Madeleine McCann's disappearance in 2007 has captivated the world for nearly two decades. Over the years, several women have claimed to be the missing British girl, but none have provided concrete proof. Now, a woman from the United States, Eugenea Collins, is making headlines with her assertion that she could be Madeleine — and she has taken a DNA test in an attempt to back up her claim.

Gone Without a Trace

British child Madeleine McCann mysteriously disappeared from her family's holiday villa in Praia de Luz, Portugal, in 2007. She was just 3 years old when an intruder allegedly broke into the villa and took her while her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were dining at a nearby restaurant. Despite international media attention and ongoing investigations, no trace of Madeleine has ever been found. Her disappearance remains one of the most widely reported and puzzling missing child cases in history. Over the years, numerous theories and suspects have surfaced, but the case remains unsolved.

A New Claim Emerges

Collins, an American woman, recently stepped forward with the shocking claim that she might be Madeleine McCann. According to reports, she began to suspect a connection after watching a segment on "Dr. Phil" that featured another woman who also alleged she was Madeleine. This prompted Collins to investigate her own background, leading her to take a DNA test to verify her identity.

Her story echoes that of Julia Wendell, a Polish woman who made similar claims in 2023, sparking widespread media attention. However, Wendell's DNA test results ultimately proved she was nearly 100% Polish, ruling out any possibility that she was Madeleine. Despite this, Collins remains convinced that her past is shrouded in uncertainty and is determined to uncover the truth.

Collins has credited Wendell's claim as the catalyst for her own search, stating on social media, "If it wasn't for me seeing her on the Dr. Phil show I would've never known. In a way her stupidity actually helped me find my family. I saw the age progressions and it was like I was looking in a mirror. I just know I saw pictures of myself online and it says I'm missing," as reported by Global News.

The DNA Test Results

Unlike previous claimants, Collins has taken the crucial step of submitting a DNA test to determine whether she shares genetic links to Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann. While the results have not yet confirmed a match, Collins insists that her upbringing and certain physical traits bear similarities to the missing girl.

In her most recent post, Collins shared an ancestry DNA test indicating she is 68% English and Northwestern European, which she believes supports her claims. However, without a direct comparison to the McCanns' DNA, experts remain skeptical about its significance in proving her identity.

Authorities and investigators continue to approach the case with caution, as previous claims have failed to produce evidence linking other individuals to Madeleine. Nonetheless, Collins' assertion has reignited public interest, with many awaiting further developments.

Missing Identification

Collins claims she has struggled to obtain official identification, including her birth certificate, adding to her uncertainty about her identity. In a November 2024 social media post, she stated that inconsistencies in her paperwork have prevented her from securing an ID, making it difficult to attend college or find employment. She also revealed she has never seen her original birth certificate, as it was sealed after her stepfather adopted her.

Collins also pointed to a possible connection between her biological father, Eugene, and Christian Brueckner, a key suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance, sharing photos to highlight their resemblance.

Could She Be the Missing Girl?

The likelihood of Collins truly being Madeleine remains uncertain. With no conclusive DNA evidence at this time, skepticism is high. However, her determination to explore her identity and seek answers continues to draw attention.

For now, the mystery surrounding Madeleine McCann's fate remains unsolved. If Collins' DNA results do not establish a connection, the world will continue to wait for answers regarding one of the most infamous missing persons cases in history.

References: Second woman claiming to be Madeleine McCann only realised after watching Dr Phil | U.S. woman claims she's Madeleine McCann, shares DNA test to try to prove it