Witness Statement

Sandra Maria Dos Santos Lourenco Murtinheira

Date: 2007-05-08

Occupation: Cleaner

Place of Work: OC

Comes to the process as a witness. She works in the Luz Ocean Club (TOC) for a second time.

She was first contracted in 2006 and began work in April and finished in October. This year, 2007, she was contracted in March and will end in October or November.

Her functions include cleaning the pool areas of the TOC between 0900H—and 19H00, with the exceptions of Sundays and Mondays, which are her days off. 

Regarding the facts in question, the witness states that she became aware of the disappearance the day after it had occurred. 

When she got to work, she noticed the presence of the GNR and immediately thought that something had happened. She initially thought that there had been another break-in, given that in 2006, she heard of break-ins to the resort apartments.
Outside the reception, which allows access to the pool and the ‘Tapas’, she encountered a colleague who told her that a child had gone missing.

At the time, she does not remember speaking any more about it. Later however, she again heard talk of the disappearance as the news media began to appear at the resort. 

The witness, in exercising her functions, began working in the pool areas in the LOC. Because she is asked, the witness states that she does not know which apartment the child’s parents occupied. She also has no idea who the parents were and could only associate these guests when she saw them on television. 

Regarding the missing child, the witness believes that she may have seen her walking with one of the nannies. However, there are many families with children, and it is normal to see the children with their nannies carrying out their activities. 

As already stated, as part of her functions, she often goes into the resort. She normally walks this route. 

Questioned, the witness states that she is unaware of any strange behaviour or movements on behalf of the guests, or other individuals, in the LOC or immediate surroundings. 

The zone is normally very quiet, even in the summer when there is more movement. 

Questioned, states that she is not aware of any situation regarding crimes, or sexual assaults in the LOC. 

She has no elements related to the facts that could help clarify the facts.

And nothing more was said

Reads, ratifies, signs.