A Polish woman who previously claimed she was missing British child Madeleine McCann is doubling down on her assertion, citing new DNA evidence that she says proves a biological link to the McCann family.
Julia Wandelt, 23, first made headlines in 2023 when she went public with her belief that she was Madeleine, who vanished from a Portuguese vacation rental in 2007 at the age of three. Her claims gained widespread media attention, leading to an appearance on Dr. Phil and a subsequent private investigation that concluded she was not the missing girl.
At the time, DNA testing reportedly showed that Wandelt was of full Polish descent, seemingly debunking her claim. However, in a series of recent social media posts, she is now insisting that fresh forensic analysis suggests otherwise.
DNA Expert Suggests Possible Family Connection
According to Wandelt, new DNA tests indicate that she has Irish and British ancestry, contradicting the earlier assertion that she is entirely Polish. Additionally, she shared a statement from forensic DNA expert Dr. Monte Miller, who reportedly analyzed the results and determined that her genetic markers suggest “an almost certain family connection” to the McCanns.
Miller’s report, which Wandelt posted online, states that while her DNA does not fully establish a conclusive match, “a specific pattern emerges that looks like an almost certain family connection.” He suggested that further testing could determine whether she is a child, sibling, or parent to someone in the McCann lineage.
Wandelt also cited an unidentified DNA expert who allegedly found that her genetic relationship with Gerry McCann, Madeleine’s father, was “biologically consistent with that of a father and daughter.”
McCann Family Has Not Agreed to DNA Test
Despite Wandelt’s insistence that she is Madeleine, neither the McCann family nor her Polish parents—who claim she is their biological daughter—have agreed to undergo DNA testing to settle the matter once and for all.
A representative for Wandelt criticized law enforcement agencies for failing to take her claims seriously, alleging that authorities have spent millions of dollars on the ongoing investigation but have not agreed to a simple DNA test that could cost as little as $75.
The McCann family has not publicly commented on Wandelt’s latest claims. Meanwhile, the case of Madeleine McCann remains one of the most widely followed missing person cases in history, with over $25 million spent on the search for answers.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.