New Trial Ordered in Infamous 1979 Etan Patz Case

Pedro Hernandez, convicted in 2017 for the notorious 1979 disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz, has been granted a new trial by a federal appeals court. The court overturned the guilty verdict, citing improper handling of jury instructions during his second trial.

Hernandez, who had been serving a sentence of 25 years to life, was initially arrested in 2012 after confessing to strangling Etan. However, his defense argued the confession was a product of mental illness, not reality. Monday's ruling necessitates that Hernandez be released unless a new trial is conducted within a period set by the lower court.

The Manhattan district attorney's office is currently reviewing the appeals court's decision. Etan Patz's case was among the first missing child cases to receive national attention, leading to the creation of a missing-children hotline. Etan's disappearance continues to impact child safety policies in the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)