Madeleine McCann was on holiday with her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, in the Algarve region of Portugal, specifically Praia da Luz. During the evening of May 3, 2007, her parents left their children in their apartment while dining nearby with friends. When they returned to check on the children, they found that Madeleine was missing. Her disappearance was reported immediately, and a widespread search was initiated by both family and Portuguese authorities. The case quickly escalated, drawing international media coverage and sparking a global movement to find her. Over the following days, the search efforts intensified, with assistance from law enforcement and volunteers, and posters featuring Madeleine’s image were distributed worldwide.

As investigations unfolded, several theories emerged regarding her whereabouts. The initial inquiry faced various challenges, including language barriers and jurisdictional issues, which complicated the investigation. The McCann family cooperated with the police and also started their campaign for public assistance in locating their daughter, raising significant funds for private investigators to aid in the search. As the story dominated headlines, the media's relentless scrutiny of the McCann family also began, leading to speculation and theories that often overshadowed the main objective of locating Madeleine.

The case remained active for years, with numerous leads and appeals to the public. Sadly, despite rigorous investigations, no definitive clues emerged regarding Madeleine’s fate. The ongoing media coverage and discussion around the case have kept it alive in public consciousness, leading to various developments and renewed investigations, even years later. The McCann family continually advocates for missing children, driven by their own harrowing experience.