Summary
Prosecutors in New York are deciding whether to hold a third trial for Pedro Hernandez, who was convicted in 2017 for the murder of six-year-old Etan Patz. An appeals court ordered a new trial or release because of issues with his police interrogation and jury instructions. The case is complicated by the difficulty in locating witnesses after many years.
Key Facts
- Pedro Hernandez was convicted in 2017 for the murder of Etan Patz, a six-year-old who disappeared in 1979.
- An appeals court found problems with Hernandez's police interrogation, mental health history, and jury instructions.
- Prosecutors are requesting 90 days to decide on a new trial; the defense wants a decision in 30 days.
- The case first brought national attention to missing children in 1979, involving extensive searches including the FBI.
- Hernandez worked near the school bus stop from where Etan Patz disappeared.
- Hernandez's first trial ended in a mistrial; he was convicted in the second trial but acquitted of intentional murder.
- The judge’s jury instructions during the trial are under scrutiny for potentially being misleading.
- Prosecutors plan to appeal to the US Supreme Court, and some witnesses may no longer be available to testify.
