(KYTX) - May 25th is known as National Missing Children's Day because of Etan Patz's disappearance 33-years-ago.
On this anniversary, the man who confessed to killing the little boy is facing murder charges.
The wife and daughter of 51-year-old Pedro Hernandez avoided reporters questions walking into a New York court today.
And this evening, Hernandez appeared before a judge via video link from a hospital bed.
He faces murder charges for the 1979 killing of 6-year-old Etan Patz.
Hernandez's court appointed attorney says he's bipolar and schizophrenic.
The judge ordered a psychological examination.
"They don't have to suffer anymore in waiting whether he's alive or what happened or who killed him," says Hernandez's brother-in-law, Jose Lopez.
Police received a tip from Hernandez's brother-in-law, investigators say Hernandez told family members he killed a boy in New York.
Since that time, authorities have been working to keep parents aware and keep their kids safe, like with the Take 25 initiative.
"Encourages parents to take 25 min out of their day to speak to their children about safety issues. about keeping them safe," says Trooper Jeanne Dark with the Department of Public Safety.
Trooper Dark says there are ways you can keep your kids safe at home. First, fingerprint them to have your own copy, and always make sure you have a current picture on hand in case something happens.
"Make sure they know who to call in an emergency, know family phone numbers, address, know not to post personal information online," says Trooper Dark.
Although technology has changed how safety is explained, it doesn't change the idea of keeping your kids safe.
"It's important to education your children on being in that position in the first place," says Trooper Dark.
To help save lives, protecting them from the same tragedy as Etan Patz.
Hernandez did not speak and did not enter a plea at his arraignment.
Hernandez could get 25 years to life behind bars, if convicted.
