Patz Confession - Child strangled, boxed, and abandoned

The man implicated in the disappearance of Etan Patz has been identified as Pedro Hernandez. Police say Hernandez has confessed to luring the boy with candy, strangled him to death and putting his body into a box.

NEW YORK, NY (Catholic Online) - Hernandez has been implicated in the disappearance and death of 6-year-old Etan Patz, who disappeared while walking to a school bus stop just two blocks from his SoHo, Manhattan home. 

According to law enforcement officials, Hernandez said he strangled the boy, and disposed of his body in a box. He left the box in an unspecified location and when he returned for the box several days later, it was gone. A second official connected to the case has also confirmed that Hernandez told this story. 

According to officials, Hernandez worked at a local bodega at the time of the kidnapping and murder, but he moved to the Camden, NJ area shortly afterwards where he has family. 

Hernandez was exhaustively interviewed on Wednesday by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, and following the interview was taken into custody. Investigators said they believe Hernandez has previously confessed the crime to family members. 

An official connected to the questioning said that Hernandez was very emotional throughout the process. 

The investigation has lasted for 33 years and has focused on a number of people. In 2004, a civil case implicated a convicted child molester who lived in the area at the time of the crime. That person, Jose Ramos, is now likely to be exonerated of the civil charges made against him. Ramos is currently serving time in a Pennsylvania prison for an unrelated crime. 

Despite Hernandez's taped confession, prosecutors may face significant hurdles in convicting him. Etan's remains have never been found and there is no other evidence as of yet to corroborate Hernandez's account. 

The disappearance of Etan Patz focused national attention on dangers to children and child abuse, sparking dramatic change in how crimes against children are viewed and handled today. 

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