Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Etan Patz Murder Case
WHO:
ABC News - The Supreme Court
Gothamist - Pedro Hernandez, the suspect in the case
CBS News Politics - Etan Patz, the missing boy
WHAT:
AP - The Supreme Court reinstated a murder conviction in the case of Etan Patz by a 6-3 vote.
AP - Prosecutors had been preparing to try Pedro Hernandez for a third time after the first trial ended in a mistrial.
AP - The justices stated, “The Second Circuit exceeded its authority in holding that Hernandez is entitled to relief under §2254(d).”
AP - Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed hope that the Patz family would gain some peace of mind from the high court’s ruling.
CNN - The Supreme Court's unsigned opinion stated, “The Second Circuit exceeded its authority in holding that Hernandez is entitled to relief,” and reversed the judgment of the Second Circuit.
Fox News - Pedro Hernandez, now 64 years old, has been serving a sentence of 25 years to life in prison since his conviction in 2017.
ABC News - The Supreme Court reinstated a murder conviction in the case of Etan Patz.
Gothamist - The justices reversed a federal appeals court ruling that ordered a new trial for Pedro Hernandez.
CBS News Politics - Etan Patz disappeared in May 1979 and has never been found.
WHERE:
Gothamist - The building where Pedro Hernandez confessed to strangling Etan Patz is located in New York.
WHEN:
Gothamist - Pedro Hernandez confessed to the murder on May 29, 2012.
CBS News Politics - Etan Patz walked out of his New York City home in May 1979.
WHY:
Fox News - Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “This office has remained steadfast in its pursuit of justice for Etan and the Patz family and will continue to stand by this important conviction.”
ABC News - The Supreme Court's decision reinstated the conviction based on the case's historical significance and the legal proceedings that followed.
HOW:
AP - Hernandez's confession was made after detectives questioned him for about seven hours before reading him his rights.
Gothamist - The confession by Pedro Hernandez was a key element in the case against him.
(UPDATED June 23, 2026 01:38 UTC)
The Supreme Court has reinstated the murder conviction in the case of Etan Patz with a decisive six to three vote. Prosecutors were preparing to try Pedro Hernandez for a third time after the first trial ended in a mistrial, and the justices noted that the Second Circuit had exceeded its authority in granting Hernandez relief. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed hope that this ruling would bring some peace of mind to the Patz family, especially considering Hernandez's confession came after detectives questioned him for about seven hours before informing him of his rights.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 18:22 UTC)
The Supreme Court has reversed the judgment of the Second Circuit, stating that it exceeded its authority in granting relief to Pedro Hernandez, who has been serving a sentence of 25 years to life since his conviction in 2017. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the office's commitment to justice for Etan and the Patz family, reaffirming the importance of Hernandez's conviction. As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring accountability in this high-profile case.
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(UPDATED June 22, 2026 16:27 UTC)
The Supreme Court has reinstated the murder conviction in the case of Etan Patz, reversing a federal appeals court ruling that had ordered a new trial for Pedro Hernandez, the suspect. Etan Patz disappeared in May 1979 and has never been found, while Hernandez confessed to the murder on May 29, 2012, at a building in New York where he claimed to have strangled the boy. The Court's decision highlights the historical significance of the case and the legal proceedings that have unfolded over the years.