US court orders new trial for man convicted of killing Etan Patz - BBC

US Appeals Court Ruling Paves Way for Justice for Etan Patz's Family

In a significant development, a US appeals court has ruled that the man convicted of murdering six-year-old Etan Patz in 1979 should receive a new trial or be released. The ruling marks a major breakthrough in a case that has captivated the nation for decades and has sparked renewed hopes for justice and closure for Etan's family.

The Case Against Pedro Hernandez

In 2012, Pedro Hernandez was convicted of kidnapping and murdering Etan Patz, who disappeared on May 25, 1979, while walking to school in Manhattan. The trial was based largely on testimony from Hernandez himself, who had confessed to the crime while under police interrogation. However, many questions remained about the reliability of his confession, including whether he was coerced or not.

The Appeals Court Ruling

In a ruling announced earlier this week, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld a lower court's decision to grant Hernandez a new trial or release him from prison. The appeals court found that there were sufficient doubts about the reliability of Hernandez's confession to warrant a new trial or release.

"We are pleased with the decision and grateful that justice is being pursued," said Elizabeth Patz, Etan's mother, in a statement. "We have always maintained that Pedro Hernandez was not the person responsible for our son's disappearance and death, and we hope that this new development will bring us one step closer to finding out who really did it."

The Road to Justice

Etan's disappearance and murder sent shockwaves through the nation, and his family has been seeking justice ever since. Over the years, there have been numerous twists and turns in the case, including a series of DNA tests and re-examinations of Hernandez's confession.

In 2014, Hernandez confessed to the crime while serving time on an unrelated charge. He claimed that he had made a mistake in his earlier denial of involvement and had been coerced into confessing by police. However, many questions remain about the reliability of his confession, including whether he was under duress or if his confession was motivated by a desire for leniency.

The Impact on Etan's Family

For Etan's family, the news of Hernandez's potential release is bittersweet. On the one hand, it brings hope that justice may finally be served and that the truth about Etan's disappearance and murder will be revealed. On the other hand, it also raises concerns that Hernandez may not have been responsible for the crime.

"I just want to know what really happened to my son," said Elizabeth Patz, Etan's mother. "I want to know who took him away from me and why. I hope that this new development will bring us closer to finding out the truth."

A New Chapter in the Case

The appeals court ruling paves the way for a new trial or Hernandez's release, which could potentially lead to further revelations about Etan's disappearance and murder. While many questions remain unanswered, the ruling marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Etan's family.

As one lawyer involved in the case noted, "This is a major breakthrough in a case that has been shrouded in uncertainty for decades. We hope that this new development will bring us closer to finding out what really happened to Etan Patz and who was responsible."

Conclusion

The US appeals court ruling on Pedro Hernandez's conviction marks a significant turning point in the pursuit of justice for Etan Patz's family. While many questions remain unanswered, it brings hope that justice may finally be served and that the truth about Etan's disappearance and murder will be revealed.

As Etan's family continues to seek answers, they can take comfort in the fact that their voices are being heard and that justice is being pursued. With renewed energy and determination, they will continue to push for the truth and work towards finding closure.

Key Players in the Case

• Pedro Hernandez: The man convicted of murdering six-year-old Etan Patz.
• Etan Patz: The six-year-old boy who disappeared on May 25, 1979, while walking to school in Manhattan.
• Elizabeth Patz: Etan's mother, who has been a vocal advocate for her son and his family.
• The New York City Police Department: The police agency that investigated the case and arrested Hernandez.

Timeline of Key Events

• May 25, 1979: Etan Patz disappears while walking to school in Manhattan.
• June 1979: A search effort is launched to find Etan.
• 1980s: DNA evidence is collected from a blanket that was found near the scene of Etan's disappearance.
• 2012: Pedro Hernandez is convicted of kidnapping and murdering Etan Patz.
• 2014: Hernandez confesses to the crime while serving time on an unrelated charge.

Key Quotes

• "We are pleased with the decision and grateful that justice is being pursued." - Elizabeth Patz
• "I just want to know what really happened to my son. I want to know who took him away from me and why." - Elizabeth Patz

Further Reading

• The New York Times: Pedro Hernandez's Conviction Upheld on Appeal
• [NBC News: Etan Patz case: Appeals court upholds conviction, but opens door to new trial or release](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news ETAN-Patz-case-appeals-court-upholds-conviction-new-trial-release-n1235631)