New York City, November 26, 2025
Prosecutors in Manhattan are set to retry Pedro Hernandez for the 1979 kidnapping and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz after his previous conviction was overturned. The trial is scheduled to begin by June 2026. Hernandez was initially found guilty in 2017 based on confessions, but the appeals court identified errors in jury instructions. The District Attorney believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with the case. Hernandez, currently in custody, faces renewed scrutiny over his confessions, which his defense claims were coerced.
New York, NY – Manhattan prosecutors have stated their plans to retry Pedro Hernandez for the 1979 kidnapping and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz after a federal appeals court overturned his previous conviction. The new trial is set to begin by June 1, 2026.
Hernandez, now 64, was initially found guilty in 2017 following confessions made during police interrogation. However, the appeals court ruled in July 2025 that there were errors in the jury instructions about evaluating his self-incriminating statements, leading to the reversal of his conviction.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, under the direction of Alvin Bragg, believes that there is enough admissible evidence to pursue the same charges against Hernandez. He remains in custody as the case develops.
Etan Patz disappeared on May 25, 1979, while he was walking to his school bus stop in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. His case gained nationwide attention, playing a significant role in raising public awareness and prompting policy changes surrounding missing children.
Hernandez, who worked at a deli near Patz’s home, was arrested in 2012 after confessing to the crime. His defense team contends that this confession was coerced and emphasizes Hernandez’s history of mental illness. They plan to present a more robust defense in the upcoming trial.
The continuing developments in this case mirror widespread public interest in child safety and the judicial process regarding long-standing unresolved cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Etan Patz case?
The Etan Patz case involves the 1979 disappearance and presumed murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz in New York City. His case became one of the first to draw national attention to missing children, leading to widespread public awareness and policy changes.
Who is Pedro Hernandez?
Pedro Hernandez is a former deli worker near Etan Patz’s home. He was arrested in 2012 after confessing to the crime. His defense team argues that the confession was coerced and that he has a history of mental illness.
What happened to Hernandez’s previous conviction?
Hernandez’s 2017 conviction was overturned by a federal appeals court in July 2025, citing errors in jury instructions regarding the evaluation of his self-incriminating statements. A new trial is scheduled to begin by June 1, 2026, to keep Hernandez in custody.
What is the current status of the case?
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has determined that sufficient admissible evidence exists to proceed with the same charges. A new trial is scheduled to begin by June 1, 2026, to keep Hernandez in custody.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Name | Etan Patz Disappearance and Murder |
| Defendant | Pedro Hernandez |
| Initial Conviction | 2017 |
| Conviction Overturned | July 2025 |
| New Trial Scheduled | By June 1, 2026 |
| Location | New York City, NY |
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Manhattan DA Announces Retrial of Pedro Hernandez in Etan Patz Case
Bodega and Small Business Group Endorses Joseph Hernandez
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