Patz murder accused in court
- 12 years ago
The man police say has confessed to the killing of six-year-old Etan Patz in New York 33 years ago didn't appear in person at his brief arraignment hearing.
Pedro Hernandez was shown by remote video link, handcuffed, from the hospital where he's been moved.
The 51-old has been charged with second-degree murder.
Police say Hernandez has admitted strangling Patz as he was on his way to school in 1979.
It's alleged he killed the boy in the basement of what was then a food store where he worked, and put his body in with the rubbish.
So far there's been no trace of the missing boy's remains.
The defence say Hernandez has a history of hallucinations and has been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
In the Manhattan SoHo area of New York where Patz's family still lives, some residents left floral tributes and messages.
Some spoke of their hopes the family's suffering would finally end.
SOUNDBITE: LINDSAY GUENTZEL, SOHO RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"Obviously there's a ton of more unanswered questions for them, which is unfortunate, but I think after 33 years it kind of hopefully will bring some closure to them."
SOUNDBITE: PAUL GOODMAN, NEW YORK RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"Maybe it be rest for the family, maybe justice will be done."
The Patz family is appealing for privacy at this time.
Another court hearing for Hernandez has been scheduled for June 25th.
Paul Chapman, Reuters
Pedro Hernandez was shown by remote video link, handcuffed, from the hospital where he's been moved.
The 51-old has been charged with second-degree murder.
Police say Hernandez has admitted strangling Patz as he was on his way to school in 1979.
It's alleged he killed the boy in the basement of what was then a food store where he worked, and put his body in with the rubbish.
So far there's been no trace of the missing boy's remains.
The defence say Hernandez has a history of hallucinations and has been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders.
In the Manhattan SoHo area of New York where Patz's family still lives, some residents left floral tributes and messages.
Some spoke of their hopes the family's suffering would finally end.
SOUNDBITE: LINDSAY GUENTZEL, SOHO RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"Obviously there's a ton of more unanswered questions for them, which is unfortunate, but I think after 33 years it kind of hopefully will bring some closure to them."
SOUNDBITE: PAUL GOODMAN, NEW YORK RESIDENT, SAYING (English):
"Maybe it be rest for the family, maybe justice will be done."
The Patz family is appealing for privacy at this time.
Another court hearing for Hernandez has been scheduled for June 25th.
Paul Chapman, Reuters