An Arkansas woman has made the shocking claim that she is Madeleine McCann, the British child who vanished in 2007, insisting she has ‘DNA proof’—despite widespread skepticism and a lack of verifiable evidence.
Eugenea Collins, 22, has launched a bizarre social media campaign, arguing that she is Madeleine, who disappeared while on vacation with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Inspired by Another Disproven Claim
Collins told DailyMail.com that she first suspected she was Madeleine after watching Julia Wandelt, a Polish woman who also falsely claimed to be the missing girl, appear on Dr. Phil.
“If it wasn’t for me seeing her on Dr. Phil, I would’ve never known. In a way, her stupidity actually helped me find my family,” Collins stated.
She believes her resemblance to age-progression images of Madeleine is undeniable, adding: “It was like looking in a mirror.”
Questionable DNA Evidence and Skepticism
Collins, born on October 23, 2002, is close in age to Madeleine, who was born on May 12, 2003. She took an ancestry DNA test that revealed she is 68% English and Northwestern European—a detail she claims supports her case. However, she has no confirmed genetic link to the McCann family.
Despite providing no concrete proof, Collins has expressed frustration that Arkansas police have dismissed her claims. She also alleged she attempted to contact Operation Grange, the Metropolitan Police’s task force investigating the case.
Mysterious Family History?
Collins said her doubts about her identity intensified after struggling to obtain a birth certificate while applying for a new ID.
“I am unable to get any kind of identification,” she said. “I couldn’t even get help from the Red Cross after my house burned down because I had no ID.”
She also claimed: “I’ve never seen my original birth certificate. The only document I’ve found had someone else’s name written on it, which was crossed out and replaced with mine.”
Despite insisting she is Madeleine McCann, Collins has not publicly disclosed her mother’s name.
Social Media Backlash
Many online users have dismissed her claims, pointing out inconsistencies in her story:
- “Not to be rude, but you don’t have Madeleine’s distinct eye defect.”
- “If you don’t have the same eye condition, please stop this nonsense.”
- “Your ears don’t match hers either.”
In response, Collins argued that her ears have scars, which could explain the differences.
“I never noticed them until people pointed it out. I had my boyfriend check, and there are scars on the back of my ears.”
Claims of a Shocking Connection to a Suspect
Collins also made a startling allegation—that the man she believed was her biological father, Eugene Collins, is actually Christian Brueckner, the German convicted pedophile and prime suspect in Madeleine’s disappearance.
“When I saw photos of Brueckner, I instantly recognized him. He looks exactly like the man I was told was my father.”
Brueckner, identified as a suspect in 2020, is currently serving a seven-year sentence in Germany for an unrelated rape conviction. He is set to be released in September 2024.
Condemning Julia Wandelt’s False Claims
Collins also criticized Julia Wandelt, the Polish woman who previously claimed to be Madeleine and was recently arrested for stalking Kate and Gerry McCann.
“Hearing that stalker make Madeleine’s mother cry broke my heart—because I’m right here,” Collins insisted.
Wandelt’s claim was debunked in 2023 after DNA results confirmed she was 100% Polish.
Despite widespread disbelief from authorities and social media users, Collins remains adamant that she is Madeleine McCann, though she has yet to provide any verified proof.