Skepticism Surfaces Over Man's Claims He Killed Etan Patz 33 Years Ago

There is skepticism surrounding the claims of Pedro Hernandez, a former Manhattan store owner who has told authorities he strangled Etan Patz, 6, more than 30 years ago.

Authorities picked up Hernandez, who now lives in Maple Shade, N.J., on Wednesday. Police were reportedly given a tip by someone who knew the suspect.

Although details are murky, Hernandez apparently was questioned by New Jersey authorities and then taken to New York, where he is now in NYPD custody.

Sources familiar with the investigation told the media that Hernandez was working at a grocery store near Etan's SoHo home when the boy disappeared on May 25, 1979. It was the first time the boy was walking to the school bus stop alone.

Etan reportedly told his parents he was going to make a stop at a neighborhood store to buy a beverage, but it wasn't clear which one. He was given a dollar for helping local handyman Othniel Miller, now 75, prior to his disappearance.

Miller's former SoHo workspace was the focus of a police search last month, but authorities left with no evidence of human remains.

Focus has now shifted to Hernandez, who has claimed to have suffocated Etan before stuffing his body in a box and leaving it in an alley. Other reports said Hernandez confessed to stabbing the boy after luring him by promising him candy.

Police haven't brought any charges against Hernandez and they have not found the body or the box. However, some sources have told CNN that Hernandez's claim is a good lead.

But other law enforcement officials are still skeptical of the claim as they are still trying to firm up some details in Hernandez's story.

Investigators have not told the media why they are suspicious of Hernandez's claim. But some reports indicate that his statements contradict certain facts in the case.

A certain degree of skepticism remains about Hernandez's story, an investigator told the Los Angeles Times.

Friday is the anniversary of the boy's disappearance.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has cautioned that there is still a lot of investigating to do.