July 23, 2025

A federal appeals court has overturned the conviction of Pedro Hernandez in the 1979 abduction and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz, citing flawed jury instructions. Hernandez, with a low IQ and history of mental illness, confessed after hours of interrogation, leading to his conviction in 2017. Despite lack of physical evidence, his confession was the prosecution's main case. The court ordered a retrial or possible release for Hernandez within a reasonable time. The case initially focused on another suspect, a convicted child molester, but shifted in 2012 when Hernandez's brother-in-law reported his involvement. Defense argues confessions were coerced and based on delusion, raising doubts about the conviction. Critics point to the prior suspect, José Ramos, a child molester with ties to Etan, who remains a prime suspect. Ramos had suspicious links to the case but was never charged due to lack of direct evidence. Etan's family won a civil judgment against Ramos in 2004. The outcome of the case is pending as the Manhattan District Attorney's Office reviews the decision, potentially leading to Hernandez's release. The case highlights the complexities of wrongful convictions and the importance of fair legal processes.

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Tags: Etan patz, Pedro hernandez, Conviction, Legal reversal, Confession, Wrongful conviction,