Man convicted in 1979 kidnap and murder of Etan Patz must have new trial, appeals court rules

A federal appeals court has overturned the conviction of Pedro Hernandez, who was found guilty in 2017 of kidnapping and murdering 6‑year‑old Etan Patz in 1979. The court ruled Hernandez must be retried or released, citing improper jury instructions related to his confessions. Hernandez, who has a history of mental illness, initially confessed after hours of unrecorded police questioning. His lawyers argue the confession was coerced. Etan’s disappearance sparked national attention as one of the first missing child cases featured on milk cartons, NBC News has reported. The Manhattan DA’s office is reviewing the decision. Etan’s body was never found.