The appeals court pointed out that the state trial court's instructions to the jury did not align with federal law and affected Hernandez's right to a fair trial. Hernandez had confessed to the crime following lengthy police interrogation, which raised concerns given his documented mental health issues. Legal representatives for Hernandez are optimistic about the ruling and urge the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to reassess the charges as they continue their investigation into Patz's long-unsolved case.

In the 1979 disappearance of Etan Patz, extensive public appeals, including his image on milk cartons, have marked the tragedy. Despite years of investigation, the boy’s body has never been uncovered, and the case has left a lasting impact on both the city and the nation.