Community Corner

Blackwood Man Questioned Over Etan Patz Confession

Detectives interviewed the Blackwood resident amid reports he heard the prime suspect in the Etan Patz disappearance confess to the crime years ago.

New York City police took a Blackwood man from his home Wednesday to question him about the Etan Patz case, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Investigators transported Tomas Rivera to the city for questioning on suspicion that he may have heard suspect Pedro Hernandez confess to killing the 6-year-old 33 years ago.

Patz was walking to a New York bus stop when he was abducted and, it is assumed, killed. He became the first missing child featured on a milk carton and the case gained nationwide attention. 

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The case remained cold for decades until, suddenly last week, . Authorities say he confessed to luring Patz into a basement and killing him. Hernandez, who lives in Maple Shade, worked at a bodega near where Patz disappeared. 

Hernandez has been charged with second-degree murder in the case. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that he may have confessed to the crime to multiple people, including relatives and spiritual leaders.

Find out what's happening in Gloucester Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police suspect Rivera heard a confession in the 1980s as the leader of a Camden prayer group, according to the Inquirer. 


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