The Lost Boy | Full Episode
- May 28, 2024
- 43:00
- Full Episode
More than three decades after 6-year-old Etan Patz went missing, police found a surprising suspect. "48 Hours" correspondent Richard Schlesinger goes inside the investigation. Is the haunting case finally over? Watch more full episodes of "48 Hours" on Pluto TV.
CASE UPDATE: On July 21, 2025, a federal appeals court ruled that Pedro Hernandez must have a new trial or be released. On Nov. 25, 2025, the Manhattan District Attorney announced he intends to retry Hernandez.
True crime. Real justice. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.
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Brief Summary
The episode details Aon Pates' disappearance, the investigation, and Pedro Hernandez's confession leading to his conviction for murder.
Key points
- The Lost Boy. After more than 30 years, a new team of investigators seeks to solve Aton Pates' case.
- A Mother's Regret. Julie's decision to let Aton walk to the bus stop alone haunts her.
- Confession of a Suspect. Pedro Hernandez confesses to choking Aton Pates, changing the course of the investigation.
- Pedro Hernandez Arrested. Pedro Hernandez was arrested after confessing to the disappearance of Aon Pates 33 years ago.
- Trial and Confession Controversy. The trial raised questions about Hernandez's mental health and the validity of his confession.
- Verdict Reached. After a long deliberation, Pedro Hernandez was convicted of killing Aon Pates 37 years after his disappearance.
Episode highlights
- The Lost BoyAfter more than 30 years, a new team of investigators seeks to solve Aton Pates' case.“It took a new team of investigators to breathe new life into an old case.”4:03May 28, 2024
- A Mother's RegretJulie's decision to let Aton walk to the bus stop alone haunts her.“I wish I hadn't let him go to the bus stop alone.”4:56May 28, 2024
- Confession of a SuspectPedro Hernandez confesses to choking Aton Pates, changing the course of the investigation.“I choked him.”25:41May 28, 2024
- Pedro Hernandez ArrestedPedro Hernandez was arrested after confessing to the disappearance of Aon Pates 33 years ago.“We have a suspect in custody who has made a statement to the NYPD.”27:28May 28, 2024
- Trial and Confession ControversyThe trial raised questions about Hernandez's mental health and the validity of his confession.“The confession everyone felt very upset about not being able to see the entire interview.”37:34May 28, 2024
- Verdict ReachedAfter a long deliberation, Pedro Hernandez was convicted of killing Aon Pates 37 years after his disappearance.“Pedro Hernandez was convicted of killing Aon Pates.”39:59May 28, 2024






