NEW YORK – Jurors have started deliberations in the case against a man accused of killing a 6-year-old boy who vanished in 1979.
Pedro Hernandez made a surprise confession in 2012. He says he lured Etan Patz (AY'-tahn payts) to a store basement with the promise of a soda, then choked the boy.
He says he put the body in a bag and a produce box, and walked it about two blocks away.
His attorneys say Hernandez is mentally ill and his confession is made up.
But prosecutors say the admissions are sound.
In the 10 weeks of testimony, jurors heard from prayer group members who said he confessed to killing a boy in New York. Hernandez's former neighbor and ex-wife also said he confessed.
Etan's body was never found.
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