The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Hernandez, stating that the trial court had provided improper jury instructions that violated established federal law. The court's ruling noted that such errors were not harmless, leading to an unjust conviction in light of Hernandez's circumstances—his confession came after a lengthy police interrogation, and he has a documented history of mental illness and a low IQ.

Hernandez initially confessed to luring Patz to a basement before killing him. However, the appeals court found that the instructions regarding his confessions were flawed, as they did not adequately address the jury's concerns about the voluntariness of his initial confession. Prosecutors had relied heavily on this confession in the 2017 trial, leading to his conviction on felony murder and kidnapping, although he was acquitted of intentional murder.

After the ruling, Hernandez's attorney expressed gratitude for the opportunity to clear his client’s name. Meanwhile, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office is currently reviewing the appellate court's decision, as the search for the missing boy continues.

The Etan Patz case has had long-lasting repercussions, igniting national awareness about child abductions and leading to significant changes in how such cases are handled across the country.