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Subscribe to RSSPedro Hernandez, 51, has confessed to strangling the boy who went missing more than three decades ago. NBC's Ron Allen reports.
Updated at 10:53 p.m. ET: A former bodega stock clerk has been arrested for allegedly luring 6-year-old Etan Patz off a New York City street with the promise of a soda before strangling him in a development that police say solves a case that has mystified New York City for decades.
Etan (pronounced ay-tahn) vanished on his way to a school bus stop 33 years ago Friday. The case drew international attention and changed the way parents felt about letting their young children go off alone.
Police announced Thursday that Pedro Hernandez had told them he lured Etan into a bodega where he worked, near the boy's house, and attacked the child, choking him to death in the basement.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said police focused on Hernandez, who now lives in Maple Shade, N.J., after the Missing Persons Squad received a tip from someone who remembered Hernandez speaking of having killed a child. Others close to Hernandez also recalled those claims, a source told NBC 4 New York.
For more on this case, visit NBCNewYork.com
Based on those interviews, police went to question Hernandez.
Kelly said Hernandez, who worked at the bodega for about a month, had not given a reason for attacking Etan and said there was "no reason at this time" to suspect the boy was sexually abused. He said it was "unlikely" that Etan's remains would ever be found and that Hernandez told them he put the boy's body in the trash.
Kelly did not answer whether Hernandez had a lawyer.
Hernandez' sister, Maria, who did not want her last name used, told NBC New York on Thursday that her heart ached over the news of her brother's arrest and said she couldn't believe it. She said Hernandez had three children of his own and came from a family of 12 that emigrated from Puerto Rico in 1973.
Mayor Bloomberg said Thursday that the disappearance of Etan "broke the hearts of millions" across the nation, especially parents, and expressed sympathy again for the boy's family.
"I certainly hope that we are one step closer to bringing them some measure of relief," he said.
A suspect is in custody after making statements to NYPD detectives implicating himself in the disappearance and death of Etan Patz, a 6-year-old boy who vanished 33 years ago from his Manhattan neighborhood. WNBC-TV's Jonathan Dienst reports.
Neighbors near Hernandez' house in Maple Shade, N.J., said he lived with a woman and a daughter who attends college.
"I can't believe something like that," said Dan Wollick, 71, who rents the other apartment in the home. "This guy, he doesn't seem that way."
Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance had pledged to reopen the decades-old cold case when he took office in 2010. The exhaustive search for Etan was renewed several weeks ago when police dug up the basement of a handyman's workshop near where Etan disappeared. A new layer of concrete had been laid over the foundation of the basement shortly after the boy vanished.
That search yielded no new evidence.
A lawyer for the handyman, Othniel Miller, said his client is "relieved by these developments, as he was not involved in any way with Etan Patz's disappearance."
Police end search for Etan Patz remains
Investigators collect hair, paper in search for Patz
NYPD via AP, file
This undated image provided Friday, May 28, 2010 by Stanley K. Patz shows a flyer distributed by the New York Police Department of Patz's son Etan, who vanished in New York on May 25, 1979.
One other man had remained a longtime possible suspect: Jose Ramos, a drifter and onetime boyfriend of Etan's baby sitter. In the early 1980s, he was arrested on theft charges, and had photos of other young, blond boys in his backpack. But there was no hard evidence linking Ramos to the crime.
He is in prison in Pennsylvania on a separate case.
The boy's parents, Stan and Julie Patz, were reluctant to move or even change their phone number in case their son tried to reach out. They still live in the same apartment, down the street from the building that was examined in April. They have endured decades of false leads, and a lack of hard evidence.
Police said the family had been notified of the arrest.
Stan Patz had his son declared legally dead in 2001 so he could sue Ramos, who has never been criminally charged with the boy's death and denies harming the boy. A civil judge in 2004 found Ramos to be responsible for the child's death.
Jonathan Dienst is chief investigative correspondent for WNBC. Shimon Prokupecz is a WNBC investigative producer.
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Whoa! Wouldn't that be something after all this time!? I hope this is not a dead end and if this fellow is responsible, I hope justice is swift and he gets to spend the rest of his life behind bars. More importantly here's hoping he can lead LE to Ethan's remains so his family can feel a bit of peace after all these years.
Local radio report says there is doubt to his story, mainly because he is repeating what was heard in the news, but nothing that wasn't reported. He has no other details. Crazy guy I guess.
.
What is taking the police so long in arresting this man. How could he not have been the killer or at least known about the killing of this little boy since the body was found in the basement of a property he took care of or owned.
Why aren't the taxpayers pizzed about this. The police have been sitting on their hands for over 30 years to resolve this case.
Arieus, I think you misread the story. This isn't about the handy man who they had been looking into. This is about a different guy.
And they still haven't found a body . . . somebody needs to a be a more careful reader.
Arieus... Etan nor his remians have ever been found.
Arieus,the boy's body has not been found. And the police have not been sitting on their hands for thirty years. Get a copy of the book After Etan and read it. The police worked hard on this case but had little to go on until Jose Ramos the guy that is sitting in prison on another charge came to their attention. Ramos is a pedophile and I beleive that he is serving time for molesting a kid when he hooked up with some group that was camping out. in the mountains. He is or was the botfriend of Etan's babysitter and knew him. At that time I don't think anyone knew about him being a pedophile. Ramos came close to confessing to Etan's murder but never actually admited it. And with no body or concrete evidence the police couldn't charge him with the crime. Hopefully they will find something before this guy is released from prison for serving his current sentence.
Though this new guy (new to us) is being reported as maybe making some stuff up, I wonder if there is a chance he was friends with Ramos, knew what Ramos did, and can only provide certain details. Maybe between the two of them the case can be solved. This new guy might provide a clue that Ramos is refusing to admit to.
It would indeed be something if, after all these years, the guilty party came to justice.
However--and I understand this is how it all works--I do disagree that every "person of interest" should be identified--and named--in the media before they're charged with any crime.
Anyone following this story knows there have been countless false leads...dashed hopes. And making that worse is that along the way innocent people have been named as possible perpetrators of a disgusting, unforgivable crime.
I'll start paying attention to names when evidence is found, and real charges are filed.
I can only hope that others do the same.
TFNJ
I still think and believe the handyman was involved in this kids kidnapping and death. He worked at the building where the kids was murdered and buried at, and he didn't notice a thing.
Unfreakinbelievable!
Arieus, again. Mis-reading. The kid was NOT burried there. He nor his remains have been found.
Yes, I think there is a good chance Ramos is involved.
Arieus They have never found his body. They dug up the basement but found nothing.
Arieus, you have STILL misread the story. The body has never been found. Unfreakinbelievable!
Again, no evidence he was murdered the building and no body found. The stain they found in the building was chemical, not biological. Meaning, it didn't come from a body. It was, unfortunatly, a false lead.
I for one have based opinions based on what I've heard on the news about cases. (If we are honest, we all have to a degree). I hope, however, I at least read everything about a case first.
I didn't read a followup, but I guess they didn't find any evidence of a crime in the basement? So we still don't know if Etan was even killed.
hey, bite me, if you haven't figured it out they are naming 2 hispanics as the suspects. notice how the 2 hispanics ages are not given, i'm willing to bet that 1 of them isn't even 40, which would make him 10 yrs old at the time. I was 17 wen this occurred, if those 2 are not close to my age then they didn't do it. I didn't intend for this to get racial, but , hey, it's cops. after 30 yrs it does get easier but there never is any peace I know, my brother was murdered at 16, one year later than etan :)=)
madman, your post is all over the place with no one point. What are you getting at?
Your point is your assumption of the suspects ages? And from that assumption, which is probably way off, you've made conclusions?? And what does the mention of hispanic mean? Its clear they are by the names, you haven't exactly had a Sherlock Holmes breakthough. What's your point?
Try not to sound like a real mad man
Never mind, just read your next post and immediately regretting giving you the time of day. Don't bother answering. There are plenty of mature posts here for me to enjoy.
There is nothing that can compare to the pain and despair that a parent goes thorough when his or her child is missing. Death is not as bad, and sometimes those parents would rather know if their child is still alive or dead, instead of living in agony. Parents suffer more at the thought of their child being tortured or abused by some psychopath.
It's the most horrendous nightmare.Please take care of your children. There are many a***s waiting for you to turn your head the other way for a MINUTE to snatch your kid away.
TFNJ,
"Local radio report says there is doubt to his story, mainly because he is repeating what was heard in the news, but nothing that wasn't reported. He has no other details. Crazy guy I guess."
On the other hand isn't it funny how difficult it can be to get the police to believe you when you tell them you committed the crime, but how easy it is to get convicted of a crime if you deny you did it? It seems nobody believes you did it except when you deny it.
I agree. But they get all sorts of kooks taking blame for high profile crimes. They have to check.
yep, only if he can lead to where the body was buried, can his story be verified; coo-cco's all the time come out the woodwork and confess to high profile crimes, to get attention.
Why do we continue to keep people who kill children alive?
I agree
The man says he has cancer. For all we know, he wants medical care from the prison system on his way out. Whether guilty or not, imagine more terminally ill people confessing of crimes to get medical care instead of bankrupting their families. We need real health care reform!
BTW, life in prison, as expensive as that is (and why drugs need to be decriminalized--not illegal, but not imprisoned), in comparison is still less expensive for tax payers than the death penalty and related legal costs.
I hope that this is true, rather than an attempt for this man to get medical care in prison. These parents have suffered enough.
The article didn't elaborate on why Ramos was declared responsible for the child's death. Was he a babysitter at the time? It only says he dated the boy's baby sister at one point. If she had been a baby when Patz disappeared, then the dating period would have been at least 15 years later. Are they suggesting that the Patz's murderer located and dated his victim's sister decades later? Seems pretty random. Am I missing something?
That is what I am not getting either. I never read about the wrongful death suit before, and they dont explain why he was found responsible. I feel horrible for the parents, I couldnt imagine the pain and anguish of losing a child to a disease, but at least you know...couldnt imagine what it must be like to never move or change your number in hopes your child might be alive or may get a tip. I know I couldnt survive living that way, If I didnt kill myself Id be in a mental institution. I praise the strength his parents have to have endured decades of not knowing.
Many of these internet news stories are poorly written and difficult to follow, but what they're saying is that Ramos(the man found responsible for Etan's murder in civil court) was dating Etan's babysitter at the time of Etan's disappearance. He was later arrested for something and they found images of young, blonde boys in his possession which made him a suspect in Etan's disappearance.
So if Hernandez is found guilty of this crime does it mean they will have to throw out the civil conviction of Ramos since they found him guilty of a crime he didn't commit? And if so will Stan Patz have to return any money he may have received due to the false conviction?
My heart broke for this family all over again because they have no body but to finally KNOW that their son is gone. But I pray they find some measure of Peace after all of these years. I hope they have the right guy and I hope God has led him to finally be honest so that this family doesn't sit and wonder what if, where and when? I hope if they want to know he can tell them Why? Why on that day he chose to be a MONSTER and take the most precious of God's gifts, LIFE. Etan Patz along with Adam Walsh are the angels that shined a light on the MONSTERS we have in this world. Had it not been for them we would not have the ADVOCATES that we have today for MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN. May God Bless their families though because they suffered for us ALL to get the BIGGER PICTURE inregards to advocating for and PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN.
What about the restitution to the person that the family wrongly accused, villified, sued, financially destroyed and persecuted for the last decade? Does Ramos get any closure???? No. The only thing that happens in these cases is that, after the family can't get closure soon enough, they crucify some poor innocent bystander just because they are available. Then, when the real culprit is discovered, there's no apology, no restitution. Just discard the victim of injustice and move on to crucify the latest guilty party.
Jim Ramos is FAR from INNOCENT. The GUY IS PUTRID, S#!T on the bottom of the shoes of life. He still abused other children and for all we know he could have abused Eton before he was murdered too. He could have groomed the boy which is what made this poor child easy to get @ in the 1st place. No I hate child Molesters and child Killers. They are MONSTERS and I would NEVER GIVE THEM A PASS. Ramos is where he BELONGS. Playing Butt buddy to Bubba & the boys.
Ramos is a perv.
33 Years"
No Body"
No Closure"
No End.
I don't think Etan's work is finished. In the wake of his tragic death, a nation has awakened to man's inhumanity to man, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was established, making it possible to recognize other children that have disappeared in the hopes of bringing them home.
It is sickening how someone could strangle a six-year-old boy, snuffing his life out and throwing him away like trash. Let the justice be swift and righteous.
now, wondering in case of the civil judgement punishing an innocent man "Ramos" who for the past 11 yrs has paid for a crime he didnt commit... what will the fathers retribution be to him?
madman, do the math! Under the picture at the beginning of the article it says Hernandez is 51. 33 years ago would have made him 17-18. I believe Ramos would be about the same if not older. If the boy was only 6, the a 17 or 18 year old could easily have killed him.
I hope this apparent confession is truthful. Though if the confession by Hernandez is true then the the previous civil suit against Ramos was yet another failure of the court system.
Ramos was involved in child porn from the start, If one would resort to this type of behavior why would it be the courts fault..
He needs to be in jail regardless.
Unfreakinbelievable!
How some people call names and jump to conclusions without having all the facts or reading the whole story. One individual has this child's body found and the guy convicted of murder, when the article said the father had to have the boy declared dead by the court.
My favorite is the guy who has the murderer dating Eton's baby sister and wondering how that can be. "Am I missing something here?" he asks. Could not stop laughing over that gem.
The need to catch the person responsible for this crime I hope doesent lead to poor policework. Getting the perp is important yet if the cops create shortcuts to make that possible then more damage can be done in the long run.
I really hope they get the monster who perpetrated this crime against the little Eaton. His parents deserve to have answers, and they need to know where his little body is, so they can lay him to rest. Eaton deserves far better than this.
They need to stop wasting valuable resources, tax dollars, and precious time. And focus on looking for missing persons and victims that have a chance of still being alive. Enough alrady, move on. The mourning period should be over. Its been 33 years, figure the jerk that did this was like 40 at the time, that makes him 70 years old, He will be dead in 10 -15 years, less time then this case has been open. Gees move on already,
Hey Annonymoua12, Hate to burst your bubble, but there is no statute of limitations on mourning! Are you really that callous? Or are you just a complete Moron?!?!?!
Screw you annonymous12.. some of us are still waiting on arrest and convictions in murder cases from the 70's.. Until you live with it, you have no room to talk. And there is no statute of limitation on MURDER.. wasting time and resources? So you would let them go free if they escaped justice for what? how long? 10 years? 20? This is the job that law enforcement does.. sometimes it takes a lifetime but it is NEVER a waste...
annonymous12 needs an ass kicking
Annonymous 12,
Just wait till it happens to your child, cuz you know, life has a way of giving you what you ask for, and your wish may someday come very true for you and your family, and we will see how you feel then. I pray not, for your family's sake anyways, but in the mean time i would avoid casting judgement when you yourself have never been in their shoes. And in the mean time, if you want to value money over your family or human life, then might i suggest moving somewhere more in tune to your values? Like China or Iran?
Tron, seriously, your dragging Obama in to a murder case from decades ago? Serious why are so many anti Obama people utterly stupid?
Um it was a pro obama statement. not anti, he was saying if NY wasnt a liberal state it wouldnt have even been reopened. but I agree that this case has nothing to do with politics.
This terrible crime has nothing to do with politics -- especially current events. The case has been going on for over three decades. I remember when it happened back when I was a kid. It was a rather "shocking thing that almost never happened" " back then (unfortunately, not so "unhear of" these days). Don't know if this guy is the gulity party or just a "crank" -- But for the sake of all concerned -- I hope this comes to some kind of resolution soon.
The baby sitters boyfriend is a suspect too. The little maggot liked young blonde boys and had pics in his back pack. He's in prison and I hope he has a terrible case of hemorrhoids and is now bubbas little boy.
You said it all! hopefully hemorroid cream isn't a staple in the perv's prison hospital.
As far as I'm concerned: even if this perv didn't do this crime he did others. Anyone who confesses to this in detail shows they are fantasizing... re-living it.
I was sure it was Jose Ramos.
Now this guy looks pretty guilty too. And after all this it could have been a stranger to them all, and not someone they knew. Tough case.
It would be nice to give the family some closure on Etan. Wouldn't it be a nice surprise if he was still alive and was kidnapped to be a child for some demented family that couldn't have children & he was brainwashed. I know that's not likely but it's nice to hope. As far as the po-po, I hope they can solve this case now where they couldn't years ago. As far as you idiots bringing our President in on this, you all need to get a life. Go to a political page & rant. You are just acting childish with your remarks.... quit acting stupid!
"As far as the po-po" Seriously? They are called POLICE for a reason. And this happens to be one of those reasons. I do hope they find this "thing" that murdered that poor little boy.
I have yet o see a forum on any subject or story that someone does not attribute, positive/negative, to either candidate-party. The story here is about a tragedy that may be coming to a point of closure (could you ever get over such a thing?) and interjecting any point that does not pertain to the story serves only to illustrate either ignorance or callousness-take your choice.
I would be devastated for a lifetime if one of my children befell such a fate. This news will open old wounds on those that loved the boy. Strength to them.
@Freedom -- Well said. I agree.
Why do people even respond to morons like tron. It is obvious that some posters put outrageously stupid remarks up just to get a rise out of people. Please don't lump cretins like this person with people who legitimately disagree with the policies of the President and use the proper forum to discuss them.
The story of Etan Patz is a horrible tragedy and it still gives me the chills...I can remember it like it was yesterday even after 33 years.
Right you are, Joeym. How does one collapse an ignorant post anyway? No matter how many times I push a negative response I sooner or later have to click on 'ignore.....'
Poo Poo. Better? ;)
No it is not better Sicken Tired... No respect.. and you wonder why society is circling the drain..
Kudos to you Domewars....AND to you Tron..first learn how to spell. second..what in Gods name does Obama have to do with this. If you were talking about bankrupting the country or apologizing to the Muslims...who BTW want to kill us..then I would say yes..Obama has allot to do with this. Sad to think people like you actually vote!!!!!
How do you tell someone to learn how to spell, and then write 'allot'?
in case you cant tell domewars is an obama enthusiast????? your not so why are you giving them kudos??
Come on folks...get back on track. This is not the place for all these nonsense -- This has nothing to do with President Obama or the 1% or taxes cuts for the rich.
Bernice - you are a sucker. Felll right into the dumb trap.
The only way this has even the smallest connection to Obama is the statement he made
"I can't believe so many people are feeding the trolls today" -Obama
what the hell do people say about Obama. What the hell dose he have to do with this
It would amazing after all this time if they could finally get answers, Etan's remains so his family can bury him, and some peace to this family. Answers won't make it any better for them that he's gone, but hopefully it will let them breathe again.
Sorry, I can't get used to the concept of a 6 year old walking to a bus stop alone. Meh, I know, I'm an old fool.
I know. At one time you could actually walk ALL the way to school AND back. Now - not so much.
Even 30 years (big city) ago questionable, but maybe the bus stop was right in front of the house- I have no idea.
My entire town of kids walked to school from kindergarten until 12th grade. We had no buses. This was NJ in the 70's to mid 80's. And from what I understand Etan walked one block to the bus stop (actually, I thought he was walking straight to school, not a bus stop but that doesn't matter). It was the first time he walked alone..he had been begging his mother to do it. One block! This is one of those situations where only the scum who kidnapped him is wrong. I'm sure his mother beats herself up every day. My town walked much farther than one block, every day for years, and nobody was ever kidnapped or killed. You can not keep your kids in a bubble.
Same here MomfromNJ. I grew up in Jersey City, and walked about 10 blocks every day. So did most kids. No problems. Its just a matter of this psycho being there at that moment waiting for Etan. And since they keep looking into people who knew the family, he must have been waiting for him.
I hear ya, but I worked nights (all night) came home and walked my kids to the bus stop-then watched the bus pull away. I went home an napped while they were in school. Maybe I was overly protective. It was a small community, those were exhausting years for sure. They are all grown up with kids of their own now.
Oh I didn't let my kids walk alone though.. lol, times have changed. I live in a small town now and more afraid of that scenario here than being in a city. Yes there is less crime here, muggings, robbery, etc, but in cities there are more people watching out. Communities stuck together.
If I remember correctly it was the first time they were allowing him to walk alone to the bus stop.
I use to walk about 20 minutes to school each way in elementary school and that was taking a short-cut through the woods. Times weren't any safer back then; we just didn't have the national media and Internet to inform us of every crime that is committed.
I let my 3 youngestkids walk down to the park or store but only if my 13yr old or 20yr old is with them. I then give them a set time to be home and they call me every 15mins to check-in. So it is "freedom" for them but piece of mind for mom.
I agree. back when i was this boy's age we walked to school and back and all over the place -- but today (and in part because of this very crime) -- no one will let their child walk anywhere (especially in a place like NYC)
SRich - I walked over a mile to school (alone) for 12 years, and had no problems during the 70's and early 80's!
There aren't any more child abductions now than there were 30 or even 50 years ago. They are more highly publicized on the news now a days.
And to the people who talk about walking to school in the 70's and 80's like it was safer, this abduction happened 33 years ago.
Just saying.
I agree 6 years old, I would like to know what kind of mother and father would allow a 6 year old child to walk alone. insane
Really does not matter what year 60, 70, 80, or the 90 I just think back in the days you thought it was safer to walk to school and back, no safer then or now, there were and still is alot of kidnapping only you hear about it more now. In the 30, 40, up until the 90 when you told the police your child is missing, they assume they ran away. I believe that is when they or a parent came up with Amber Alert and Parents started doing something about there missing child. Parents then were naive and were depending on the Police again which were CLUELESS back then.
I walked to and from school, which was over a mile away, every single day since I was 6 years old. This was in the 80s and early 90s. I then stayed home alone for several hours until my parents came home from work. Every kid in the neighborhood did this. The world was not safer back then or at any other time. When will people stop trying to blame poor Etan's parents for this terrible tragedy? It sounds to me like he was probably far more sheltered than most other kids at the time. Stop blaming the victims people!
when i was a kid it was normal to walk to the bus stop ( i was born in '73) it was also ok to take apples or homemade popcorn balls from people at halloween its weird to me to see how the world has changed now kids arnt even safe at home if their own parents don't kill them or their teacher isnt molesting them some pedo freak will stalk them and take them out the window or kill the whole family to get at them.my heart goes out to Etan's family and to Etan himself i pray if he is dead he he didnt suffer and that his killer is caught, and if he is (hopefully) alive then maybe he will be able to reach out some how. i pray too that the parents can finally have peace, no parent should have to bury a child, or have theirs delcareed dead.
I used glass made click-clacks.. lol
"Parents then were naive and were depending on the Police again which were CLUELESS back then."
They're still clueless..........and corrupt; Don't forget corrupt.
I think one thing that may have made the world slightly safer is the community cared. If I did something wrong walking home in the late 70/80's my mom new about it before I got home. People looked after each other. Now, I don't even know my neighbor's number. We tend to be more isolated.
Yup, that's what I meant above. The comunity knew each other. And even if not, they would look out for crime. Now.. people want to isolate themselves.
"Now, I don't even know my neighbor's number."
I don't think that I want to know my neighbors. On one side, I have a two-faced lesbian who will smile in your face then turn around a talk trash behind your back. And (I think) I have a prostitute on the other side; She only "works" Friday and Saturday nights & you wouldn't believe some of the outfits that she wears. Oye!
Maybe she's a Professional Entertainer.
Miss Deanna,
What is "Oye" ?? Please, why do people utter this nonsensical-sounding noise? Carrie on "King of Queens" was always doing it. So was Fran on "The Nanny." It sounds soooooooooo stupid. Sorry Deanna, I'm sure you're a nice person, but I just had to vent. I wouldn't be caught dead saying "OYE."
As for Etan's parents, this isn't about keeping your young child in a bubble. It's about not giving in when a 6 year old begs and begs. The parents are in charge, not some little 6 year old. So he's begging to walk alone. The parents should NOT have given in !! They should have made it very firm and clear that he's not walking alone, and to not bring it up again. PERIOD. Obviously, his parents CAVED.
And Deanna, not all police are corrupt.. you just happen to hear about those that are.. so quit using such a broad brush to paint all officers in a bad light...
It is always hard to solve a case that happened years ago. Most evidence is gone. Many times a person gets to a ripe old age and the guilt seems to come haunt them for years. So they try to make it right before they die. Let hope this is the case here. And the little boys body is found. Peace will come some to the family knowing he will have a proper burial. It will be extremely hard for his parents. They will no longer have hope that he is out there somewhere alive. God be with everyone right now. Blessings sent to the detectives in this case that questions will finally be answered for all.
Yes, it has been so many years -- most evidence is long gone -- with the possible exception of DNA -- Forensic science and technology has advance much in the last few decades. maybe there is new hope to find a clue missed back @ the time of the crime. We can hope anyway.
Domewars, even funnier is that you comment incorrectly on Tron's post and call HIM "utterly stupid." Try reading it, again. He is, obviously, an Obama supporter, not "anti Obama," like you said. Although, I agree with the utterly stupid part, try getting your head out before you comment.
It would seem as though there were more evidence against Jose Ramos than some guy who fixed up his basement. A Sonogram would more than likely show any remains in the floor of the basement. I haven't heard anything about the police trying that yet.
@JGleason - I thought the same thing about Ramos - his history seems to "fit' more clearly than this second suspect. I didn't see any reference as to whether Ramos and Hernandos knew each other or had any connection, i.e. that both could have played a role. For the parents resolution, and the police who worked so long on this case, I hope the get the information they need to bring this case to closure.
Dear Freedom eroding away:
I'm glad someone sees the reality of the ignorance in this country. We have many friends all over Europe & they are baffled by this buffoon. Not to mention they laugh at us constantly for the ignorance of the American people.
Keep telling it like it is.
Oh, yes, Europe is baffled by this buffoon. I'm sure your "European friends" thought Dubya was the bomb, right?? Find new friends.
Bernice, sorry to burst your bubble, but Europeans have held Americans in low regard way before Obama took office. When I travel to Europe, I put a Canadian sticker on my luggage because Canadian are liked much better than Americans in Europe. Don't get me wrong, I am proud to be an American, but I rather not deal with the hassle of being mistaken for the stereotypical American (loud-mouth, know-it-all) when I travel.
Much of Europe is in financial collapse because they have embraced the same policies that Obama is trying to force down the throats of of Americans who don't want them: You can never have too much government or too many entitlement programs.
I laugh in amazement at weak liberals who sit around wringing their hands worrying about what "Europe" thinks about America; as if Europe is some sort of shining example of how great things could be, if only the stupid Americans would just wake up.
The liberals who embrace this fantasy never seem to be able to see the lies of their own delusions.
Why anyone would ever want to follow an inferior society over the cliff because of what some idiot European might think of them, for not wanting to do so, is a mystery to me.
I guess it's fine for the European to be the know-it-all loud mouth. But if the American doesn't fall over themselves to tell the narcissistic Euporeans how great they are, then Americans are just rude. Typical liberal double standard. I really don't give a flyin roasted rat's rump what anyone in Europe might think of me. If you wish to be a weakling, then you have every right to be that.
People die every day. How much is this investigation costing taxpayers?
Surely you jest? This is an unsolved likely murder of a child. What are you a Cyborg?
Ryan: I would just ask, do you think you would feel the same had it been your child, or someone else you love?
Certainly, while there is a tremendous amount of wasteful spending of tax payer dollars in all areas of government, in this particular case, I can't honestly say that I would object to the spending had it been my child.
The only thing that is wasting taxpayer dollars is politicians. They are also the very one's
who would have you believe that it cost so much money in tax dollars to open this investigation.
Do you think the police who are working on this case are suddenly getting paid more money to do so?
They get the same paycheck they normally get every week even if they are sitting on their ass.
So how do you figure it is costing so much in taxpayer dollars. It is not. That is just what you have been told by our corupt crooked leaders who control the budgets and spend the tax money.
People die every day? Really? What if this were your child? Etan and his family deserve justice no matter how long that justice takes and what it costs. Give me a break - all the taxpayer money that is totally WASTED and you question how much $$$ to bring a pervert, someone who murdered an INNOCENT CHILD to justice?
Not about dollars & cents! It's about justice, it's about a little boy ptobably dead, It's about parents grieving, and not knowing!!! Ryan my friend (and I use the term loosly) You are a complete money grubbing moron!!!!
That boys body cries out for Justice!!!
Maybe the next running-loose psychopath serial killer will get you or someone in your family, RC. Oh, well, people die every day. Please send a letter to your local police and tell them that you don't want any taxpayer money wasted on any such investigation if someone in your family is murdered. MmmmmK?
Dome-most votes that are cast, in either direction, are made without any real knowledge of the candidate. They vote with their eyes, their hearts, or a name that sounds familiar. An educated electorate is a dangerous thing. (only to those being voted for)
My goodness, I have read the book when it first came out on the memorial day weekend a couple of years ago, they should have looked and investigated at that time. They probably would have definatley found some evidence. These missing children cases are so hard, and frustrating, The underground world of sex trafficking is even bigger than the drug trade, but no one seems to take a big look at the picture, the media should put more commercials and other ways of trying to get these sick people, Poor little kids are so innocent and completley destroyed by these Evil sickos, that have no way of feeling whatsoever. Etan Patz would have been around my age. Its so horrific just to think and actually picture and try to feel what these kids go through when they are abducted, raped tortured and murdered!!!I hope all of these people who not only hurt the children for the rest of their lives( If they live or are ever found) May Satan grab hold of of these pedophiles souls, take them under Satans wing, and burn them slowly, torture them painfully, and never let go of their pathetic, sick evil souls, For all of eternity!!!
Clueless back in the 70 and 80, Police, FBI and List goes on.
I love how knuckleheads like Torres, that weren't even old enough to form a thought in the 70's, feel the need and urge to comment on the state of affairs of that era...
My prayers to God, for this family and Etan. Having to go through this for so many years, now again. I pray for justice, however, I do not wish to support ANYONE that kills. They need to die also. No freedoms, meals,housing,ect., on taxpayers.
Yes, it is downright wrong for people, that, are supposed to have some mental well being to vote!
I am voting for Obama! The man has barely got his feet wet in all of the problems Bush left. And, they just keep piling up. I can't see, ANYONE running that might do a better job, and, having to start from scratch again.
I agree with you 110% Sure The hell with these parasites!!!!
I'm not saying you're wrong or anything, but thanks for the laugh...I absolutely love the comment - "I do not wish to support anyone that kills. They need to die also."
So, you do have support for some people that kill - someone has to kill the killer for the killer to die, right? You actually support a lot of killers in that situation - the entire legal system, the jury, judge, courts, jails, person who actually pulls the kill switch, whatever. And guess what - your taxes pay for a lot of those people, so you do actually "support" those people.
Imagine they even had scum pedophiles 30 years ago. It seems like such a common crime nowadays. Or maybe the media just didn't broadcast pedophile cases like they do today..
I remember about 30 years ago when I was in my teens we had the Woodmansee case back in Peacedale R.I. This local obese loner freak "boo radley type" kidnapped and killed this neighborhood kid that lived across the street from him. When the kid came up missing without a trace the cops and volunteers searched for weeks for the kid without a clue. After a month they had no leads til one day the chief of police went into his sons room and noticed an odd shoe box on his dresser. He looked inside and found it filled with human bones. They had them anylized and they were the remains of the kid that was missing. After closer anaylsis they found marks on the bones that the kid had been skinned and canibalized. I will never forget the reaction from the town when they brought this cops son into the courthouse for sentencing. Now 30 years later and word has it that Woodmansee is up for parole and due to be released by the end of the year. The entire state is in protest and circulating petitions to demand that he never be released but there is little they can do. You have to wonder why a freak like this would even want to be put back into society and where would he even fit in. When the penal system releases someone who was convicted of a crime of this magnitude they should at least be ordered to wear "a chip" or some form of tracking device for the remainder of their lives. Instead he will be set free and with nothing to lose will more than likely do the same thing again to some other kid somewhere..
I agree with much of what you said, with the exception of the Boo Radley comparison. If you read "To Kill A Mockingbird", I think you will understand that the scariest thing about Boo Radley was in the imaginations and rumors spread by a community who didn't know him. People thought him odd because he was a recluse and an introvert, but he was not a monster, or a murderer as some in the story made him out to be.
Seems there should be some common sense interjected before this guy is released, but law does not always work that way. I'm not sure where this guy could go without having the surrounding community and police aware of his residency. Hopefully the locals will keep an eye on him. I like the chip idea though. I know if he was in my neighborhood I would make his life there...unpleasant.
@"there's a slow train com'in.. - The case and crime you speak about is unfathomable.
You write, "The entire state is in protest and circulating petitions to demand that he never be released but there is little they can do." I disagree, that there is "little they can do", and there is much you can do. because you are passionate about this man staying in jail.
The story needs to go National, as well as State wide (which appears has already been accomplished). You can use the internet, social media and media to get more people involved in this protest. It may take hard work, but hopefully your State Reps have also been contacted. The reason people like Manson have never been paroled, is because he became a household name. Make it your mission to make this hideous crime and criminal known! Just like you, anyone who has children does not want this guy on the streets. Organize a 'posse' and show up to his parole hearing if need be... Good luck!
Just read the case about Woodmansee, he is Dahmer in disguise! Look at his eyes, he will kill again if he is released!
You are correct, JC - this is the first that I have heard of it and the rock I live under is not so big as to block out the sun. The only time something makes the press is when it can raise hackles and cause dissention. It aint a saleable product otherwise.
I am not familiar with this story. I am curious as to how the son of the chef of police got the bones? This is really a sad story, too. Like Etan Patz, it shows how vulnerable children are and how important it is to get these monsters off the streets.
You can't let your kids play in the front yard, walk to school, or walk around the store by themselves. These monsters are walking around the store, communities, grocery stores, waiting for a parent to look away or let their kids go off by themselves. That's what they do they patrol. Parents have to be AWARE and make sure their kids are not left alone. Parents have to be the ones to take responsablity and protect their kids at all times. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SMALL CHILD ALONE IN PUBLIC. A puppy or the promise of candy, will grab their attention, they are small and cant defend themselves. They dont know evil, but as adults we do, and we have to stand vigilant 100% of the time. It only takes a minute for a child to disapear. It's every parents worst nightmare. Keep your eyes open and take off your rosie glasses, sometimes, its just not going to be alright, if your not careful.
I work in a retail store and is amazed the many times parents come in the store with their kid(s), kid goes one direction and parents the other. You don't know how many times I see kids being carried out by an adult kicking and screaming, no one pays attention. What if that kid didn't belong to that person?? Who's to say? Parents are not watching their kids and gasp we are not their babysitters either.
VERY WELL SAID, Sue
What the Frink has StumbleObama got to do with solving a 30 year old case? How many Dems have been in the White House since this kid went missing? What is being a Dem or Rep has to do with this has to be the stupidest comment made in the last 30 years!
I still shudder when I see this kids face, because it was the first case that REALLY took all parents and shook them out of the complacency that we were use to and I for one am still haunted by that feeling.
If this man has been a suspect all this time, why wasn't he looked at more closely back then? I certainly hope that this nightmare ends for this family and that they have a chance at closure, if that is possible, and that Etan can finally rest in peace.
Because there is a good chance he's just a nut confessing to something he didn't commit. Police say he is repeating what was in the news, but can't tell them details that only they know. And he was looked at, the article says.
Unless you have been in someones shoes who has a missing person in their lives you could never know the pain that comes with it! In my case my Dad has been missing since 1978! I have no clue what happened to him! Sure people die every day but Etan and my Dad were Taken! No closesure no goodbyes! Some people have no heart shame shame!
I just went and read about that case after your post. It is unbelievable that someone like that should be able to shave time off of their sentence. Of course he's had good behavior, there were no little boys around he wanted to kill and eat. I hope for everyone involved that he does not return to the town where this occurred but I fear for those wherever he settles. This is not something that goes away and he is still strong enough and has had a lot of time to plan...disgusting.
Sure hope the parents are still alive to see justice done.Things like this you have to put a closure to and I hope the parents get that perviledge to do this.My heart goes out to family.
You aholes Libbie Socialists. Nothing is about Bama, Hes an absolute idiot with a degree from Harvard and thats it. And He hates this country and its people, end of story. He loves oppression and the end of Middle class too, which will come back and be even better than it was before, mark my words. because we are not wussies in this country ,okay. Everytime something impressive happens, you morons relate it to bama, hes done nothing , our autrhorities did this work you stupid idiots. bama is a good for nothing pile of dog doo.
Get him out of my Whitehouse and stop Socialism/Marxism eventually heading to Communism.
Mr. E
first of all eric-2802616, The white house is not yours. And this is how you say his name Mr. President Barack Obama. Please don't confuse him with your daddy
Eric ...... you're an embarassment to whites. Can't you express yourself without reverting to gutter talk?
Eric... I'm one who can't wait till the WH doors hit Obama in the a$$ when he vacates next January. However, that being said, you have lowered yourself to a point that is indefensible. There is no excuse to resort to the infantile prepubescent name calling and rhetorical vitriolic hatred you spew.
Besides, this is a post about a six year old boy who disappeared 33 years ago. And I remember it well, as I was living in NY at the time. I remember the initial hope they would locate Etan and as time went by the ultimate realization that if he was found, it would likely be a dead child.........
You're pathetic.
Eric, go take a chill pill. Judging from your ranting, Obama can do nothing right in your eyes. What has caused this prejudicial view of the President? And don't tell me it's the economy because our economy has been stinking before he took office. You really need to look up Marxist/Socialist ideology before you comment on it.
WTH does Obama have to do with any of this? (Or Bush, Clinton, Bush, Regan or Carter - who if I did the math right was the actual president when this kid was taken). I am so sick of politics in every single discussion.