Etan Patz
- Born:
- October 9, 1972, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- Declared legally dead in 2001 (presumed deceased)
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Child; Missing Person
Early Life and Education
- Etan Patz, born October 9, 1972, was a young boy living in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City.
- He attended P.S. 41 in Greenwich Village.
- His disappearance occurred shortly before he was to start first grade.
Disappearance and Search
- On May 25, 1979, Etan Patz disappeared while walking alone for the first time to his school bus stop, two blocks from his home.
- His disappearance garnered significant media attention and sparked a large-scale search effort.
- Etan Patz's case became a symbol of missing children and led to advancements in child safety measures.
- His image was one of the first to be placed on milk cartons as part of a campaign to find missing children.
Legal Proceedings and Outcome
- For decades, the case remained unsolved, and Etan Patz was declared legally dead in 2001.
- In 2012, Pedro Hernandez confessed to kidnapping and killing Etan Patz.
- Hernandez was convicted of kidnapping and felony murder in 2017 after a lengthy legal battle.
Legacy and Impact
The disappearance of Etan Patz brought national attention to the issue of missing children and significantly impacted child safety initiatives. It led to the creation of national databases and resources dedicated to finding missing children. The legal ramifications following Etan Patz birthdate onward led to significant developments in the justice system.
Notable Works
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Legislation | The case directly influenced the Missing Children's Assistance Act of 1984, which created the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). |
| Awareness Campaigns | His image on milk cartons popularized the use of this medium to raise awareness about missing children, leading to increased public vigilance. |