NYPD Resumes Search for Boy Missing 33 Years

Etan Patz disappeared way back in 1979, but the NYPD and FBI think they might find him at last. Authorities today swarmed a SoHo basement that they believe contains the boy's remains. The building is just 200 feet from the one Patz lived in, reports NBC 4 New York, and it's connected to a handyman who had contact with Patz just before his disappearance. Cadaver dogs have already caught a scent inside.

Authorities say they intend to remove some drywall that wasn't there in 1979, and dig through the basement's brick walls in their search. "We're hoping that there will be real results," an FBI spokesman said. "This little boy disappeared in 1979, and here we are in 2012 still hopeful that we can bring closure to the investigation." Patz's case was huge news back in 1979, prompting Ronald Reagan to name May 25 National Missing Child Day. The case was reopened in 2010. (More Etan Patz stories.)