Etan Patz: Judge Declares Mistrial And Reschedules After Jury Still Doesn’t Reach Verdict

Etan Patz was allegedly killed by Pedro Hernandez in 1979. However, the jury has been unable to reach a guilty consensus this week. So, the judge has rescheduled the trial.

The trial of Pedro Hernandez for the murder of Etan Patz was being held in New York. After days of deliberation, the jury wasn’t able to reach a decision. Etan Patz was among the first faces to be placed on milk cartons. Patz was only six-years-old when he went missing.

According to CNN, it’s the third time a jury has come back undecided since April 29, 2015. Since no unanimous decision could be made about Etan Patz’s alleged killer, the judge rescheduled the date to June 10, 2015.

Though the jury couldn’t reach a guilty verdict, Etan Patz‘s father feels strongly different. Stanley Patz responded as follows.

“I’m so convinced that Pedro Hernandez kidnapped and killed my son. He’s a guilty man who’s been conscience-stricken due to his deeds and haunted by demons ever since that day.”

According to CNN‘s report, Pedro Hernandez confessed to his crime years ago, but his lawyers intervened, stating that he made it all up.

“Hernandez told police in a taped statement that he lured Etan into a basement as the boy was on his way to a bus stop in Lower Manhattan. He said he killed the boy and threw his body away in a plastic bag. Neither the child nor his remains have been recovered.”

Pedro’s attorney believes that police coerced him into thinking he killed Etan Patz, after having interrogated him for seven-and-a-half hours.

“I think anyone who sees these confessions will understand that when the police were finished, Mr. Hernandez believed he had killed Etan. But that doesn’t mean he actually did, and that’s the whole point of this case.”

However, last year, a judge ruled that the confession was admissible. The report also notes that Etan’s alleged killer waived his Miranda rights, which was also admissible.

His lawyer is attempting to prove that Hernandez is mentally ill and does not realize that he’s truly committed a crime. It’s reported that Pedro has been diagnosed with such a disorder, schizotypal personality disorder to be exact.

Though the Etan Patz case has been rescheduled for a later time, it’s unconfirmed whether his alleged killer will receive another trial. The rescheduling is mostly for the verdict decision, as is yet confirmed.

What are your thoughts on the Etan Patz case? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Photo Credits: Twitter]