Etan Patz Case Conviction Overturned

A federal appeals court overturned the 2017 conviction of Hernán Hernández in the 1979 killing of 6-year-old Disappearance of Etan Patz, one of the nation's most notorious missing child cases. The United States — United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that the trial judge's response to a jury note was 'clearly wrong' and 'manifestly prejudicial.' Hernán Hernández, who has been serving 25 years to life in prison, was ordered to be released unless the state proceeds with a new trial within a reasonable period. The United States — Harris County District Attorney s Office's office, which prosecuted the case, is reviewing the decision. Disappearance of Etan Patz's disappearance led to significant changes in how missing child cases are handled, including the establishment of a national hotline and National Missing Children's Day.