Community Corner

Etan Patz Suspect Arrested in Camden

Authorities have a Maple Shade man in custody who allegedly implicated himself in the kidnapping and killing of Etan Patz, a 33-year-old cold case.

Update, 2:25 p.m., May 24:

New York authorities say Pedro Hernandez, arrested in Camden Wednesday, admitted to killing and dismembering 6-year-old Etan Patz 33 years ago.

Police arrested Hernandez, who lives in Maple Shade, after he implicated himself, according to the New York Post. Hernandez's neighbors expressed disbelief over the arrest, the Courier-Post reports.

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Patz disappeared while making his first solo trip to his school bus stop. The case drew national coverage and Patz became the first missing child featured on a milk carton.

Hernandez, who lived near Patz, told police he lured the young boy, stabbed him to death, dismembered him and threw his remains into the garbage. Authorities are trying to verify his story.

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Police were never able to find any evidence of Patz's death. Investigators dug up a basement in New York last month, but did not find a body.

Hernandez's alleged confession comes just one day before the 33rd anniversary of Patz's disappearance. May 25 is now Missing Children's Day.

While Camden County provided initial interview facilities after Hernandez's arrest, the suspect is now in New York and police there are in charge of the matter, said Jason Laughlin, Camden County Prosecutor's Office spokesman.

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In a possible break in a three-decade missing child case, a man was arrested in Camden Wednesday in connection with the disappearance of Etan Patz.

Patz, 6, went missing in 33 years ago as he walked to a bus station in New York City. His disappearance set off a massive media blitz, and Patz became the first missing child featured on a milk carton.

But, despite the attention, the boy was never found.

A suspected was arrested in Camden yesterday after allegedly implicating himself in Patz’s disappearance and death, the Associated Press reports. The New York Post names the suspect as Pedro Hernandez.

Reports indicate Hernandez lived in Patz’s neighborhood when the youngster disappeared, but so far authorities have not released details on why they arrested him. The man is known to investigators, according to reports.


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