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Etan Patz's 1979 kidnapping and murder "touched a nerve" with parents, author says

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Supreme Court reinstated the conviction of the man accused of kidnapping and murdering 6-year-old Etan Patz in 1979.
  • Author Lisa Cohen, who wrote "After Etan," believes the case significantly altered public perception of missing children's cases.
  • The 1979 kidnapping and murder of Etan Patz deeply affected parents and changed how society viewed child abduction cases.

The recent Supreme Court decision to reinstate the conviction of Etan Patz's accused killer has brought the 1979 case back into public focus. Author Lisa Cohen, who penned "After Etan," argues that the kidnapping and murder of the 6-year-old profoundly impacted parents and reshaped societal views on missing children's cases.

Cohen's perspective highlights how the case "touched a nerve" with parents, suggesting it fostered a new level of awareness and concern regarding child safety. Before Etan's case, the public might not have fully grasped the vulnerability of children or the potential dangers they faced.

The case is noted for its significant influence on how missing children are perceived and handled. The events surrounding Etan Patz's disappearance and subsequent murder served as a stark turning point, prompting greater vigilance and more robust investigative protocols nationwide.

touched a nerve

โ€” Lisa CohenAuthor Lisa Cohen describes the impact of the Etan Patz case on parents.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.