Supreme Court Reinstates Murder Conviction in Etan Patz Case
The U.S. Supreme Court, by a 6-3 vote, reinstated the murder conviction of Pedro Hernandez in the 1979 disappearance of 6-year-old Etan Patz.
The justices overturned a federal appeals court decision that had reversed the conviction. The appeals court had ruled that the trial judge gave an insufficient answer to a jury question during deliberations. The Supreme Court determined that the Second Circuit exceeded its authority under a 1996 law limiting federal court oversight of state criminal trials.
Background
- Etan Patz disappeared while walking to his school bus stop in Manhattan on May 25, 1979.
- Hernandez, a convenience store clerk, became a suspect in 2012 and confessed to the crime during police questioning.
- He was convicted in 2017 after a first trial ended in a mistrial.
- Hernandez is serving 25 years to life. His lawyers argue he falsely confessed due to mental illness.
Statements
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg praised the decision, stating the office pursued justice for Etan and the Patz family.
- Hernandez's lawyers expressed disappointment and maintain his innocence.