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Jose Antonio Ramos, Key Suspect in Etan Patz Case, Dies

3/20/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jose Antonio Ramos died at age 82 on March 7 at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
Ramos was long suspected in Etan Patz's death, the 1979 disappearance of a first grader.
A 2004 ruling found Ramos civilly responsible, but the finding was overturned, and the Patz family received $2.7 million.
Pedro Hernandez became a suspect in 2012 after allegedly confessing to the crime.

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Story summary

Jose Antonio Ramos died at age 82 on March 7 at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
Ramos was long suspected in Etan Patz's death, the 1979 disappearance of a first grader.
A 2004 ruling found Ramos civilly responsible, but the finding was overturned, and the Patz family received $2.7 million.
Pedro Hernandez became a suspect in 2012 after allegedly confessing to the crime.