Pedro Hernandez: The “Milk Carton” Killer

Pedro Hernandez was charged with second degree murder after killing a 6 year old Etan Patz in New York. Hernandez kidnapped the child on May 25, 1979, while the boy was walking toward the bus stop alone. It took the police 33 years before they finally linked Hernandez to the crime. It was only in 2010 when the police reopened the case for further investigation, had Hernandez openly admitted his involvement.

When Etan’s parents realized that their child is missing, they immediately reported his disappearance to the authorities. The police swept through the entire neighborhood but couldn’t find any trace of the boy. Eventually, the search led them to the bodega where Pedro worked. Unfortunately, their investigation did not lead them to Pedro as he had already left for New Jersey after Etan vanished.

After news of Etan’s disappearance dominated headlines all over the United States, several milk companies launched a nationwide campaign that featured missing children on their cartons. Etan was the first child whose picture was posted on the side of a milk carton.