2007 Cheshire, Connecticut murders

2007 triple-murder in Cheshire, Connecticut, US yes December 2025 November 2025 2007 Cheshire, Connecticut murders Petit family photo.jpg The Petit family at Hayley's high school graduation Cheshire CT lg.PNG 250x200px The location of Cheshire within New Haven County, Connecticut Cheshire, Connecticut, U.S. Petit family 2007 07 23 Triple-murder, strangulation, immolation, bludgeoning, child murder, home invasion, kidnapping, child abduction, rape, child rape, arson 3 1 *Linda Mai Lee (born Steven Joseph Hayes) Joshua Andrew Komisarjevsky Unknown * Baseball bat Gun Rope/restraints Lee:Not guilty of first-degree arsonGuilty on remaining chargesKomisarjevsky:Guilty on all counts *Capital murder (6 counts)Murder of multiple victims Murder of a victim under the age of 16 Murder during the course of a kidnapping (3 counts) Murder during the course of sexual assault Murder (3 counts) First-degree kidnapping (4 counts) First-degree sexual assault Third-degree burglary First-degree arson Second-degree assaultSteven Hayes Found Guilty on 16 of 17 Charges October 4, 2010 https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/local/charges-against-steven-hayes/2059089/?amp=1 November 16, 2022 November 16, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221116052532/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/local/charges-against-steven-hayes/2059089/?amp=1 liveKomisarjevsky complete list of charges The Register Citizen October 13, 2011 https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Komisarjevsky-complete-list-of-charges-12058464.php November 16, 2022 November 16, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221116052532/https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Komisarjevsky-complete-list-of-charges-12058464.php live yes Death; commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole On July 23, 2007, two home intruders entered the home of the Petit family in Cheshire, Connecticut, United States. The perpetrators, Linda Mai Leehttps://www.newsweek.com/steven-hayes-connecticut-linda-mai-lee-2021341 Transgender murderer says she's finally 'happy to be alive' January 31, 2025 Newsweek August 5, 2025 (known as Steven Hayes at the time)In 2019, Lee came out as a trans woman, and began transitioning while in prison.Connecticut Home Invasion Convict Is Undergoing Gender Transition in Prison The New York Times November 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/us/steven-hayes-cheshire-transgender.html November 5, 2019 November 5, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191105235159/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/us/steven-hayes-cheshire-transgender.html live Vigdor Neil Lee presented as male during the incident and her subsequent trial. and Joshua Andrew Komisarjevsky, initially planned only to burgle the house, but went on to murder Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, 17-year-old Hayley Petit and 11-year-old Michaela Petit. Their father, Dr. William Petit, managed to escape despite sustaining severe injuries. Upon entering the Petits' home, Komisarjevsky beat William with a baseball bat, and he and Lee restrained him in the basement, along with Jennifer and her daughters. Lee later kidnapped Jennifer and forced her to withdraw money at a bank. After returning to the home, Lee raped her and strangled her to death. Komisarjevsky raped 11-year-old Michaela. The invaders then decided to burn down the house to destroy evidence. The invaders tied Hayley and Michaela to their beds, doused them and the house with gasoline, and set it on fire, leaving them to die of smoke inhalation.Kate Davis and David Heilbroner (directors) The Cheshire Murders Television production HBO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29DPtCgRVUo&t= March 30, 2020 March 9, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210309055850/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29DPtCgRVUo&t= live The case garnered significant attention in Connecticut, with the Hartford Courant citing it as "possibly the most widely publicized crime in the state's history".Kauffman Matthew https://archive.today/20120723165500/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-komisarjevsky-fair-trial-1110-20101109,0,2009741.story https://www.courant.com/2010/11/09/fair-trial-seen-likely-for-other-cheshire-defendant/ Fair Trial Seen Likely For Other Cheshire Defendant Hartford Courant November 9, 2010 July 23, 2012 The murders received national and international attention,https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Top-50-Petit-murders-in-Cheshire-attracted-12991885.php Top 50: Petit murders in Cheshire attracted international attention Luther Turmelle June 14, 2018 New Haven Register April 1, 2020 April 3, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200403012835/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Top-50-Petit-murders-in-Cheshire-attracted-12991885.php live and had a significant impact on Connecticut's death penalty, ultimately delaying its abolition.https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/07/17/cheshire-connecticut-home-invasion-murders-10-years-later/483863001/ Cheshire, Connecticut, home invasion murders, 10 years later Dave Collins July 17, 2017 usatoday.com April 2, 2020 December 9, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201209035443/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/07/17/cheshire-connecticut-home-invasion-murders-10-years-later/483863001/ livehttps://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-decade-review-death-penalty-20191222-akh53hjg2jcgfbf2yjyhm2o3xu-story.html Stories that shaped the decade: The Cheshire home invasion trial and repeal of the death penalty Josh Kovner December 22, 2019 courant.com April 2, 2020 April 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200415111359/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-decade-review-death-penalty-20191222-akh53hjg2jcgfbf2yjyhm2o3xu-story.html live Lee and Komisarjevsky were convicted of the murders and sentenced to death.Death sentence in Connecticut home invasion CNN January 27, 2012 http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/27/justice/connecticut-home-invasion-sentencing/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 January 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20140729024727/http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/27/justice/connecticut-home-invasion-sentencing/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 July 29, 2014 live Their sentences were vacated in August 2015, when the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional and retroactively commuted all death sentences to life imprisonment.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/connecticuts-top-court-overturns-death-penalty-state-n409256 Connecticut Supreme Court Overturns Death Penalty in State Pete Williams NBC News August 13, 2015 August 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150813204552/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/connecticuts-top-court-overturns-death-penalty-state-n409256 August 13, 2015 livehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/08/13/connecticut-supreme-court-says-the-death-penalty-is-unconstitutional-banning-it-for-remaining-inmates-on-death-row/ Connecticut Supreme Court says the death penalty is unconstitutional and bans executions for inmates on death row Mark Berman August 13, 2015 Washington Post August 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150815202142/http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/08/13/connecticut-supreme-court-says-the-death-penalty-is-unconstitutional-banning-it-for-remaining-inmates-on-death-row/ August 15, 2015 live Background On the evening of Sunday, July 22, 2007, 48-year-old Hawke-Petit and her daughter Michaela went to a local Stop & Shop grocery store in Cheshire, Connecticut.Fernandez Manny Tears and Reminiscences for Three Murder Victims https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/nyregion/29chesire.html October 16, 2017 The New York Times July 29, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016071201/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/nyregion/29chesire.html October 16, 2017 livehttp://www.nbcnews.com/id/20706697/ns/dateline_nbc-crime_reports/t/desperate-hours/#.Xo9cXYhKiUk Desperate hours Dennis Murphy September 10, 2007 NBC News April 9, 2020 September 10, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190910201036/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20706697/ns/dateline_nbc-crime_reports/t/desperate-hours#.Xo9cXYhKiUk dead They picked up food for a family dinner Michaela planned to prepare.https://medium.com/the-true-crime-times/the-cheshire-murders-innocence-lost-1e4bec712e09 The Petit Family Nightmare November 4, 2019 medium.com April 9, 2020 November 1, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201101103756/https://medium.com/the-true-crime-times/the-cheshire-murders-innocence-lost-1e4bec712e09 live During their trip to the grocery store, Komisarjevsky noticed and took interest in them, proceeding to follow them home.Second Defendant Is Convicted in Connecticut Triple Murder https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/nyregion/komisarjevsky-convicted-of-triple-murder-in-cheshire-conn.html September 22, 2015 The New York Times Associated Press October 13, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122654/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/14/nyregion/komisarjevsky-convicted-of-triple-murder-in-cheshire-conn.html October 16, 2017 livehttps://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/joshua-komisarjevsky-cheshire-home-invasion-jennifer-hawke-petit/1892579/ Recorded Komisarjevsky Confession Released John Christoffersen September 26, 2011 nbcconnecticut.com April 9, 2020 March 9, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210309053142/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/joshua-komisarjevsky-cheshire-home-invasion-jennifer-hawke-petit/1892579/ live Prosecutors argued at the trial that Komisarjevsky was motivated by money and his interest in Michaela, whom he later sexually assaulted.https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/10/jury_finds_joshua_komisarjevsk.html Jury finds Joshua Komisarjevsky guilty on all 17 counts in Connecticut home invasion, murder trial October 13, 2011 masslive.com April 11, 2020 April 11, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200411150504/https://www.masslive.com/news/2011/10/jury_finds_joshua_komisarjevsk.html live Shortly afterwards, Lee sent a text message to Komisarjevsky that read, "I'm chomping at the bit to get started. Need a margarita soon." Lee then texted, "We still on?" Komisarjevsky replied, "Yes." Lee's next text asked, "Soon?", to which Komisarjevsky replied: "I'm putting the kid to bed hold your horses". Lee replied: "Dude, the horses want to get loose. LOL."Accused Killers Sent Joking Texts Before Conn. Home Invasion CBS NewYork.com September 23, 2010 http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/23/med-exam-resumes-home-invasion-testimony/ October 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016014342/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/23/med-exam-resumes-home-invasion-testimony/ October 16, 2017 liveItaliano, Laura Twisted texts of a killer Conn. fiend to cohort: 'Get loose! LOL' New York Post September 24, 2010 http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/twisted_texts_of_killer_G8iLnVxkF0WgpcTcOeC4QM https://web.archive.org/web/20100926195121/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/twisted_texts_of_killer_G8iLnVxkF0WgpcTcOeC4QM dead September 26, 2010 April 6, 2011 Home invasion According to Lee's confession, Lee and Komisarjevsky had planned to rob the Petit house under the cover of darkness, leaving the family bound but otherwise unharmed. Both attributed the grisly outcome to a change of plan. Upon their arrival in the early hours of July 23, they found William asleep on a couch in the sun room. Komisarjevsky entered the basement through an unlocked door and took a baseball bat he found leaning on the basement stairs. Komisarjevsky then entered the sun room and used the bat to strike William four or five times.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/petit-family-murder-trial-new-evidence-testimony-paints-graphic-picture-of-conn-home-invasion/ CBS News Edecio Martinez Petit Family Murder Trial: New Evidence, Testimony Paints Graphic Picture of Conn. Home Invasion September 23, 2010 February 6, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110220032716/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20017372-504083.html February 20, 2011 livehttps://www.scribd.com/document/66451297/State-s-189b-9-22-Part-1 State's 189b 9-22 Part 1 9–11 March 31, 2020 March 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210308221334/https://www.scribd.com/document/66451297/State-s-189b-9-22-Part-1 live Komisarjevsky and Lee bound William's wrists and ankles with plastic zip ties and rope. William remembered one perpetrator telling the other, "If he moves, put two bullets in him."D'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 72 014752170X The children and their mother were then bound in their respective rooms. Lee and Komisarjevsky tied them by their wrists and ankles to their bedposts and placed pillowcases over their heads.D'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 73 014752170X After restraining the victims, Komisarjevsky and Lee ransacked the house for cash.https://www.scribd.com/document/66451277/State-a-189b-9-22-Part-2?ad_group=131678X1600839X8bc03ee8f022e836e33061295e0bebdb&campaign=SkimbitLtd&keyword=660149026&medium=affiliate&source=hp_affiliate State's 189b 9-22 Part 2 13–14 March 31, 2020 March 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210308123422/https://www.scribd.com/document/66451277/State-a-189b-9-22-Part-2?ad_group=131678X1600839X8bc03ee8f022e836e33061295e0bebdb&campaign=SkimbitLtd&keyword=660149026&medium=affiliate&source=hp_affiliate liveFebruary 2024 They then took William to the basement, where they tied him to a support pole.D'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 73–75 014752170X Lee and Komisarjevsky continued ransacking the house for money but were not satisfied with what they found. They then found a check register with $40,000. They decided to steal $15,000.https://www.scribd.com/document/66451277/State-a-189b-9-22-Part-2 State'a 189b 9-22 Part 2 14 March 31, 2020 September 14, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190914235105/https://www.scribd.com/document/66451277/State-a-189b-9-22-Part-2 liveFebruary 2024 Surveillance video from a gas station shows Lee purchasing $10 worth of gasoline in two cans that were taken from the Petit home. After returning to the house, Lee took Hawke-Petit to the bank. The prosecution later claimed that this was evidence of premeditated murder.When Things Seem Odd: Polly and the Internal Guardian Michael Legare January 12, 2016 FriesenPress 978-1460277515 Lee forced Hawke-Petit to withdraw $15,000 from her line of credit when the bank opened. Hawke-Petit informed the bank teller that two men were holding her family hostage in their home and threatening to kill them all. Bank surveillance cameras captured the transaction. The bank manager called 9-1-1 and reported the situation to police while Hawke-Petit was still with the teller. The manager reported to the 9-1-1 dispatcher, in real-time, as Hawke-Petit left the bank. The manager told the dispatcher that Hawke-Petit had indicated that the home invaders were "being nice" and that she believed they only wanted money. The Cheshire police responded to the bank's report by assessing the situation and setting up a vehicle perimeter, without revealing their presence.Italiano Laura https://web.archive.org/web/20100917074348/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/teller_urgent_bid_to_save_lives_WpERoX8jNoyGlWbq4j06hP http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/teller_urgent_bid_to_save_lives_WpERoX8jNoyGlWbq4j06hP Teller's urgent bid to save lives The New York Post September 16, 2010 September 17, 2010 While the police were outside the house, Lee and Komisarjevsky aggravated the nature of their crimes.https://www.police1.com/legal/articles/grim-photos-dominate-2007-conn-home-invasion-trial-ENknvA29WCf0pecy/ Grim photos dominate 2007 Conn. home invasion trial September 17, 2010 Police1 August 5, 2025 Komisarjevsky sexually assaulted 11-year-old Michaela, which he later confessed to when interrogated.https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Confession-Read-the-transcript-of-what-Joshua-11554276.php Confession: Read the transcript of what Joshua Komisarjevsky said to police September 26, 2011 New Haven Register May 6, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190409090243/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Confession-Read-the-transcript-of-what-Joshua-11554276.php April 9, 2019 livehttps://www.scribd.com/document/66451323/State-s-189b-9-22-Part-6 State's 189b 9-22 Part 6 11–15 April 7, 2020 February 10, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220210050912/https://www.scribd.com/document/66451323/State-s-189b-9-22-Part-6 live Evidence that Komisarjevsky raped Michaela came from her autopsy, during which State Medical Examiner Dr. Wayne Carver found his semen in her body.https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Jury-in-Komisarjevsky-trial-hears-autopsy-results-11553049.php Jury in Komisarjevsky trial hears autopsy results of Michaela Petit R all Beach Register Staff September 28, 2011 New Haven Register May 6, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190506213828/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Jury-in-Komisarjevsky-trial-hears-autopsy-results-11553049.php May 6, 2019 livehttp://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20110928/jury-in-komisarjevsky-trial-hears-autopsy-results-of-michaela-petit Jury in Komisarjevsky trial hears autopsy results of Michaela Petit New Haven Register September 28, 2011 September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083819/http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20110928/jury-in-komisarjevsky-trial-hears-autopsy-results-of-michaela-petit August 19, 2014 live Komisarjevsky photographed the assault and rape on his cell phone.https://www.courant.com/2010/09/23/2nd-suspect-looms-large-in-hayes-trial/ 2nd Suspect Looms Large In Hayes Trial Hartford Courant September 23, 2010 September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20101009015051/http://articles.courant.com/2010-09-23/news/hc-hayes-autopsy-testimony-0924-20100923_1_petits-cheshire-hayes-and-komisarjevsky-jennifer-hawke-petit/2 October 9, 2010 live In his interrogation, he claimed that he believed Michaela was 14 or 16.https://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/hc-xpm-2011-09-22-hc-komisarjevsky-day3-0922-20110921-story.html Courtroom Evacuated During Komisarjevsky Trial Thursday Alaine Griffin September 22, 2011 courant.com March 31, 2020 July 8, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210708091704/https://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/hc-xpm-2011-09-22-hc-komisarjevsky-day3-0922-20110921-story.html live Forensic testing results showed that there was bleach on Michaela's clothes, indicating that Komisarjevsky may have tried to eliminate DNA evidence from the assault. According to Lee' confession, Komisarjevsky provoked Lee into raping Hawke-Petit.https://abcnews.go.com/US/TheLaw/gruesome-petit-trial-testimony-suspects-snapped-photos-assaults/story?id=11710077 Petit Trial Testimony: Suspects Snapped Photos During Sex Assaults Andrea Canning Kaitlyn Folmer Lee Ferran Sarah Netter September 13, 2010 abcnews.go.com March 31, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417134035/https://abcnews.go.com/US/TheLaw/gruesome-petit-trial-testimony-suspects-snapped-photos-assaults/story?id=11710077 live, William was able to hear his wife's assault upstairs. He yelled up and heard one of the invaders say, "Don't worry. It's all gonna be over in a couple of minutes." William then managed to escape.D'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 79–81 014752170X He later said, "I thought, it's now or never because in my mind at that moment, I thought they were going to shoot all of us."Survivor of Connecticut Home Invasion Murders Takes the Stand FoxNews.com September 14, 2010 http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/14/conn-doctor-takes-witness-stand-murder-trial-wife-daughters/ November 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100917233614/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/14/conn-doctor-takes-witness-stand-murder-trial-wife-daughters/ September 17, 2010 dead In confessing, Lee said that while raping Hawke-Petit on the living room floor, Komisarjevsky entered and announced that William had escaped. Lee then strangled Hawke-Petit. Lee and Komisarjevsky doused her lifeless body and parts of the house, including the daughters' bedrooms and daughters themselves, with gasoline. Investigators would later find the accelerant on the Petit sisters' beds and on the clothing they were wearing.https://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/24/connecticut.murder.trial/index.html Police: Girls killed in home invasion may have been set afire Swetha Iyengar September 24, 201 cnn.com April 1, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417075610/https://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/24/connecticut.murder.trial/index.html livehttps://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Lab-Home-invasion-suspect-had-gas-on-his-clothes-2200920.php Lab: Home invasion suspect had gas on his clothes John Christoffersen October 3, 2011 News-Times April 1, 2020 February 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210203122145/https://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Lab-Home-invasion-suspect-had-gas-on-his-clothes-2200920.php live Lee and Komisarjevsky started a fire and fled the scene. Hayley and Michaela both died of smoke inhalation.Otis Ginger Adams Ghost of a House: Grieving dad razes site of triple slay' http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/item_WgUjxASqZ95dyQ6a74E8PO New York Post July 13, 2008 November 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20121021222434/http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/item_WgUjxASqZ95dyQ6a74E8PO October 21, 2012 livehttp://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-petit-cheshire-home-invasion-verdict,0,2650867.story Petit Home Invasion: Hayes Verdict October 6, 2010 Hartford Courant September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131231101802/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-petit-cheshire-home-invasion-verdict,0,2650867.story December 31, 2013 live Courant Hartford Hayley managed to escape her restraints and run out of her bedroom and into the hallway where she collapsed and died. Her body was found at the top of the staircase. Third- and fourth-degree burns on her feet indicated that she got very close to the fire around the time she died. The medical examiner who performed an autopsy on her could not determine if the burns occurred before or after her death.https://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-trial-coroner-describes-teen-daughters-death/story?id=14607151 Petit Trial: Coroner Describes Teen's Death in Fire ABC News May 6, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190409103413/https://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-trial-coroner-describes-teen-daughters-death/story?id=14607151 April 9, 2019 livehttps://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-home-invasion-evidence-shows-gas-led-girls/story?id=14610895 Petit Home Invasion Evidence Shows Gas Led to Girls' Beds Anne-Marie Dorning September 26, 2011 abcnews.go.com March 31, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417125931/https://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-home-invasion-evidence-shows-gas-led-girls/story?id=14610895 livehttp://www.shorelinetimes.com/news/jury-hears-autopsy-details-doctor-describes-hayley-petit-s-injuries/article_e2aadba6-dca7-5e28-b0bc-6079b8f7079f.html Jury hears autopsy details: Doctor describes Hayley Petit's injuries, death (video) Randall Beach September 27, 2011 shorelinetimes.com April 1, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417055156/http://www.shorelinetimes.com/news/jury-hears-autopsy-details-doctor-describes-hayley-petit-s-injuries/article_e2aadba6-dca7-5e28-b0bc-6079b8f7079f.html dead Michaela's body was found in her bedroom. She was still in her bed, her hands tied to it and her lower body hanging off it.https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/09/michaela-petit-sexual-assault-testimony-joshua-komisarjevsky-connecticut-murder/ Horrifying Sexual Assault on Michaela Petit, 11, Detailed During Connecticut Murder Trial – Radar Online September 22, 2011 May 6, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20170907092818/http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/09/michaela-petit-sexual-assault-testimony-joshua-komisarjevsky-connecticut-murder/ September 7, 2017 liveD'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 153 014752170X Like with her older sister, Michaela's burns may have occurred while she was still alive. William had been able to free himself of his restraints, exit the house, and crawl to a neighbor's yard for help. The neighbor initially did not recognize him due to the severity of his injuries. Meanwhile, Lee and Komisarjevsky fled the scene in the Petit family car. They were immediately spotted by police surveillance, pursued, and arrested one block away after crashing into a police car. The home invasion had lasted seven hours. Both Lee and Komisarjevsky confessed to the murders. Detectives testified that Lee smelled of gasoline throughout her interrogation.https://abcnews.go.com/US/TheLaw/petit-trial-accused-killer-steven-hayes-confession-lived/story?id=11705976 Petit Trial: Accused Killer Confession Relived Andrea Canning Lee Ferran September 13, 2010 abcnews.go.com March 31, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417124504/https://abcnews.go.com/US/TheLaw/petit-trial-accused-killer-steven-hayes-confession-lived/story?id=11705976 live Each assailant claimed that the other was the driving force and mastermind behind the home invasion.Griffin Alaine Hayes Sentenced to Death https://www.courant.com/2010/11/08/hayes-sentenced-to-death/ October 15, 2017 Hartford Courant November 8, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101125065155/http://articles.courant.com/2010-11-08/news/hc-hayes-petit-home-invasion-death-penalty_1_joshua-komisarjevsky-steven-hayes-hayes-lawyers November 25, 2010 livehttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/petit_family/index.html Petit Family Killings The New York Times November 8, 2010 November 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100926121404/http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/p/petit_family/index.html September 26, 2010 live Komisarjevsky also blamed William for the murders. In Komisarjevsky's diary, which was later entered into evidence, he called William a "coward" and claimed that he could have saved his family if he wanted to.Killer in Connecticut home invasion slay says William Petit was 'coward' who could have saved family New York Daily News October 20, 2010 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/10/20/2010-10-20_killer_in_connecticut_home_invasion_slay_says_william_petit_was_coward_who_could.html November 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101119091122/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/10/20/2010-10-20_killer_in_connecticut_home_invasion_slay_says_william_petit_was_coward_who_could.html November 19, 2010 liveexcerpts from the Komisarjevsky journal ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/page?id=11925877 November 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101024145650/https://abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/page?id=11925877 October 24, 2010 live Victims Hawke-Petit was a nurse and co-director of the health center at Cheshire Academy, a private boarding school in Cheshire. She met her husband at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1985, when she was a new oncology nurse and he was a third-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh."Man gets death in triple-killing home invasion https://web.archive.org/web/20210126021637/https://archive.triblive.com/news/man-gets-death-in-triple-killing-home-invasion/ January 26, 2021." The Hartford Courant at The Pittsburgh Tribune. Tuesday November 9, 2010.https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=jennifer-lynn-hawke-petit&pid=91512044&fhid=4096 Jennifer Lynn Hawke-Petit legacy.com April 7, 2020 March 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230323061823/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/hartfordcourant/name/jennifer-hawke-petit-obituary?id=6581788 live She and Dr. Petit married in 1985. The Petits' elder daughter, Hayley, had just graduated from Miss Porter's School, where she played varsity cross country, basketball, and crew and was a high honor roll student. While at Miss Porter's, she was elected to the senior leadership position of Athletic Association Head. She also won a school award for "exceptional community service".https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=hayley-elizabeth-petit&pid=91512042&fhid=4096 Hayley Elizabeth Petit legacy.com April 7, 2020 May 18, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200518133956/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=hayley-elizabeth-petit&pid=91512042&fhid=4096 live Hayley was scheduled to attend Dartmouth College where she wanted to study medicine.Wool Hillary Petit remembered as an athlete, role model http://thedartmouth.com/2007/07/27/news/hayley/ October 15, 2017 The Dartmouth July 27, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20081121125455/http://thedartmouth.com/2007/07/27/news/hayley/ November 21, 2008 Hayley had been an active fundraiser for multiple sclerosis research, following her mother's diagnosis with that disease. She captained a Walk MS Team called Hayley's Hope."Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund." National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Retrieved on November 9, 2010.http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/dr-william-petit-speaks-out-for-the-first-time/all Dr. William Petit Speaks Out for the First Time oprah.com April 7, 2020 April 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200407225804/http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/dr-william-petit-speaks-out-for-the-first-time/all live The Petits' younger daughter, Michaela, attended the Chase Collegiate School before her death.https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=michaela-rose-petit&pid=91512043&fhid=4096 Michaela Rose Petit legacy.com April 7, 2020 May 18, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200518132219/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hartfordcourant/obituary.aspx?n=michaela-rose-petit&pid=91512043&fhid=4096 live"School Head Runs 'Miles for Michaela' https://web.archive.org/web/20110212085638/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnlyinAmerica/story?id=3811130&page=1 February 12, 2011." Good Morning America. November 5, 2007. Retrieved on November 9, 2010. After Hayley left for college, Michaela planned on taking over Hayley's Hope and renaming it "Michaela's Miracle". Michaela often cooked for her family and had done so the evening before the murders.D'Agostino Ryan The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town Crown Publishers New York 66 014752170X William, the sole survivor of the home invasion, was an endocrinologist in Plainville. He was also the medical director of the Joslin Diabetes Center at Connecticut's Central Hospital. He survived when he escaped via a direct external exit from the basement despite his injuries. William has not returned to his medical practice since the murders, stating his desire to be active in the foundations set up to honor the memory of his family. He contemplated running for Congress as a Republican, but later decided against it.Christoffersen John Dr. William Petit 50-50 on Congressional Run October 10, 2013 http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Dr-William-Petit-Considering-Politics-Report-227305581.html NBC Connecticut October 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131019051302/http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Dr-William-Petit-Considering-Politics-Report-227305581.html October 19, 2013 liveAltimari Daniela William Petit Decides Against Run For Congress https://www.courant.com/2014/02/05/william-petit-decides-against-run-for-congress-2/ Hartford Courant February 5, 2014 September 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140907074304/http://articles.courant.com/2014-02-05/news/hc-petit-not-running-congress-0206-20140205_1_petit-family-foundation-william-petit-jennifer-hawke-petit September 7, 2014 live In the following election cycle, he successfully campaigned for the Connecticut General Assembly and served as a state representative.http://people.com/politics/dr-william-petit-father-whose-family-was-killed-in-connecticut-home-invasion-elected-to-state-legislature/ Dr. William Petit, Father Whose Family Was Killed in Connecticut Home Invasion, Elected to State Legislature November 9, 2016 People February 24, 2017 en-US https://web.archive.org/web/20170225051342/http://people.com/politics/dr-william-petit-father-whose-family-was-killed-in-connecticut-home-invasion-elected-to-state-legislature/ February 25, 2017 live Perpetrators Linda Mai Lee Linda Mai Lee Steven Joseph Hayes 1963 5 30Department of Correction Inmate Information Search http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=97425 November 10, 2010 July 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110723141154/http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=97425 live 2 Linda Mai Lee Linda Hayes Death; commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole Incarcerated Oregon State Penitentiary Lee, born Steven Joseph Hayes,Questions Regarding Steven Hayes and the Cheshire Homicides from a Listener 15 Minutes With... Joe Tomaso Podcast Addict https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/2450935 March 20, 2021 January 4, 2023 Hayes (earlier also known as Linda Hayes) has come out as being transgender and has, in fact, been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and is currently receiving treatment for that. During this interview, you will hear me refer to Hayes as both Steven as well as her preferred name of choice, Linda. 00:01:12 December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221201013928/https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/2450935 live was first convicted for burglary in 1980 at age 16, and tried as an adult. She was paroled in 1982 but violated her parole conditions seven weeks later. During the time between this incident and the Cheshire murders, Lee was arrested nearly 30 times and spent most of this time incarcerated.Cowan Alison Leigh Stuart Christine Suspect in Connecticut Killings Left Long Trail of Lawbreaking https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/04/nyregion/04slay.html October 16, 2017 The New York Times August 4, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016071224/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/04/nyregion/04slay.html October 16, 2017 live Lee's last arrest before the Cheshire murders was in 2004 after she smashed a car window with a rock and stole a woman's purse. She was paroled in 2006 and was sent to the Silliman halfway house where she met Komisarjevsky.https://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hayesprofile1005-20101016-story.html Steven Hayes: A Life In And Out Of Prison Dave Altmari October 17, 2010 courant.com April 4, 2020 September 25, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150925183611/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hayesprofile1005-20101016-story.html dead Lee was found guilty on 16 of 17 counts related to the Cheshire murders on October 5, 2010.https://www.foxnews.com/us/connecticut-man-could-face-death-after-jury-convicts-him-in-deadly-home-invasion/ Connecticut Man Could Face Death After Jury Convicts Him in Deadly Home Invasion Fox News October 5, 2010 September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150204115832/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/10/05/connecticut-man-face-death-jury-convicts-deadly-home-invasion/ February 4, 2015 live On November 8, 2010, the jury returned with a recommendation for her to be executed.https://abcnews.go.com/US/steven-hayes-sentenced-death-role-connecticut-home-invasion/story?id=12087221 Steven Hayes Sentenced to Death for the Deadly Conn. Home Invasion ABC News September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141010201144/https://abcnews.go.com/US/steven-hayes-sentenced-death-role-connecticut-home-invasion/story?id=12087221 October 10, 2014 live Lee was formally sentenced to death by Superior Court Judge Jon C. Blue on December 2, 2010.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-steven-hayes-sentenced-to-death-for-triple-murder/ Conn. Home Invasion: Steven Hayes Sentenced to Death for Triple Murder Edecio Martinez December 2, 2010 cbsnews.com April 9, 2020 February 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210203123423/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-steven-hayes-sentenced-to-death-for-triple-murder/ live Lee was an inmate of the Connecticut Department of Correction. Subsequent to sentencing for the Petit murders, and up until August 16, 2016 (when she was transferred to a correctional facility in Pennsylvania as part of an interstate corrections compact), she was incarcerated in the Northern Correctional Institution,"Hayes, Steven Joseph https://web.archive.org/web/20110723141154/http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=97425 July 23, 2011 ." Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved on November 10, 2010. which housed the state's death row for men, in Somers, Connecticut."Northern Correctional Institution https://web.archive.org/web/20250703065931/https://portal.ct.gov/doc/facility/northern-ci July 3, 2025 ." Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved on August 16, 2010. The method of execution employed by Connecticut was lethal injection,Death Penalty For Rape And Murder Of Family, Sky News, September 17, 2014 and the state execution chamber was located in the Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers."Administration of Capital Punishment Directive Number 6.15 ." Connecticut Department of Correction. October 19, 2004. 1/9. Retrieved on August 16, 2010. "Execution Area. A series of four (4) contiguous rooms in the Osborn Correctional Institution comprised y of the..." This sentence became a life sentence when the Connecticut Supreme Court vacated the sentence in 2015.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/william-petit-dad-murdered-family-reacts-death-penalty-ruling-n409511 William Petit, Dad of Murdered Family, Reacts to Connecticut Death Penalty Ruling Tracy Connor NBC News August 13, 2015 August 16, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150815212037/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/william-petit-dad-murdered-family-reacts-death-penalty-ruling-n409511 August 15, 2015 live While incarcerated, Lee came out as a trans woman and began hormone therapy as part of her gender transition. In an interview in October 2019, she said she had been diagnosed with a gender identity disorder at 16, but never treated.Vigdor Neil October 31, 2019 Connecticut Home Invasion Convict Is Undergoing Gender Transition in Prison https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/us/steven-hayes-cheshire-transgender.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20191105032630/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/31/us/steven-hayes-cheshire-transgender.html November 5, 2019 November 5, 2019 The New York Times By 2025 she had changed her legal name from Linda Hayes to Linda Mai Lee and was imprisoned at the Oregon State Penitentiary.https://www.foxnews.com/media/newsweek-profile-transgender-killer-feeling-happy-alive-trashed-puff-piece.amp Newsweek profile of transgender killer feeling 'happy to be alive' trashed as 'puff piece' Fox News August 5, 2025Transgender murderer says she's finally "happy to be alive" https://www.newsweek.com/steven-hayes-connecticut-linda-mai-lee-2021341 https://web.archive.org/web/20250916080749/https://www.newsweek.com/steven-hayes-connecticut-linda-mai-lee-2021341 September 16, 2025 2025-12-26 Newsweek en live Joshua Andrew Komisarjevsky Joshua Andrew Komisarjevsky 1980 8 10Komisarjevsky, Joshua A - CT Inmate info http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=299047 November 10, 2010 July 23, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110723141224/http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=299047 live Incarcerated 1 Death; commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole State Correctional Institution – Mahanoy, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania Komisarjevsky, originally from Torrington,Citizen Rick Thomason, Register December 12, 2011 Was Komisarjevsky's fate scripted from the moment he was born? https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Was-Komisarjevsky-s-fate-scripted-from-the-moment-11577913.php April 11, 2022 New Haven Register en-US March 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230323061822/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Was-Komisarjevsky-s-fate-scripted-from-the-moment-11577913.php live was Lee's co-conspirator in the home invasion and murders. He was born to a 16-year-old girl impregnated by a mechanic who was "barely out of his teens", according to adoption officials.Kovner, Josh (October 26, 2011). Komisarjevsky's Father: 'A Miracle' Baby, 'Satanic Activities' https://web.archive.org/web/20250425031045/https://www.courant.com/2011/10/26/komisarjevskys-father-a-miracle-baby-satanic-activities/ April 25, 2025 . courant.com. Retrieved April 23, 2015. He was adoptedCowan Alison Leigh Path to Parole Becomes Issue in Murder Case https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/nyregion/31slay.html?pagewanted=all October 16, 2017 The New York Times July 31, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070321/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/31/nyregion/31slay.html?pagewanted=all October 16, 2017 live by Benedict Komisarjevsky, the son of theatrical director Theodore Komisarjevsky and dancer Ernestine Stodelle, and his wife Jude (née Motkya).Fernandez Manny Cowan Alison Leigh When Horror Came to a Connecticut Family https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/nyregion/07slay.html?pagewanted=3&_r=0 October 16, 2017 The New York Times August 7, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070958/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/nyregion/07slay.html?pagewanted=3&_r=0 October 16, 2017 live He was sexually abused as a child, also burned and tortured.October 5, 2011 Psychologist Testifies Joshua Komisarjevsky Was Sexually Abused As A Child - CBS New York https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/psychologist-testifies-joshua-komisarjevsky-was-sexually-abused-as-a-child/ June 29, 2024 www.cbsnews.com en-US In the early 1990s, Komisarjevsky's sister accused him of sexually assaulting her. He was convicted, and, during the penalty phase of his trial, Komisarjevsky's father conceded that it was probably true. Komisarjevsky committed his first burglary when he was 14. In 2002, he was arrested for 18 home invasions. Komisarjevsky's defense attorney at the time says that Komisarjevsky told him about every burglary he committed in perfect detail. Komisarjevsky told his attorney that, after robbing the houses, he would go to the rooms where the occupants were sleeping and listen to them breathe. He said he did this because he enjoyed the feeling of invading people's homes and violating their security. Komisarjevsky was convicted of 12 counts of burglary in December 2002. He was sentenced to nine years in prison with six years of special parole. During his sentencing hearing, Judge James Bentivegna described Komisarjevsky as a "calculated, cold-blooded predator".https://www.cnn.com/2011/09/19/justice/connecticut-home-invasion-accused/index.html Petit murder suspect had long, troubled history of drugs, crime Swetha Iyengar September 19, 2011 cnn.com April 4, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417075641/https://www.cnn.com/2011/09/19/justice/connecticut-home-invasion-accused/index.html live Komisarjevsky was paroled in April 2007. Under Connecticut law, prosecutors were supposed to send the parole board a transcript of the sentencing proceeding. But the parole board that released Komisarjevsky never received the transcript and was not aware of all the details regarding his case. After being paroled, Komisarjevsky stayed at the Silliman halfway house, where he met Lee. Komisarjevsky remained incarcerated at the Walker Reception Center"Komisarjevsky, Joshua A https://web.archive.org/web/20110723141224/http://www.ctinmateinfo.state.ct.us/detailsupv.asp?id_inmt_num=299047 July 23, 2011." Connecticut Department of Correction. Retrieved on November 10, 2010. in lieu of a $15-million bondTwo arrests announced in Cheshire arson/homicide http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?Q=386822&A=11 Connecticut Department of Public Safety July 24, 2007 November 11, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101111152134/http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=386822 November 11, 2010 dead until his conviction. His trial began on September 19, 2011, and on October 13, 2011, he was convicted on all 17 counts.http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-komisarjevsky-day1-0920-20110919,0,4211871.story Tense Events Detailed As Second Cheshire Home Invasion Case Begins Hartford Courant Alaine Griffin September 19, 2011 September 20, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20130721224426/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-komisarjevsky-day1-0920-20110919,0,4211871.story July 21, 2013 dead https://abcnews.go.com/US/joshua-komisarjevsky-guilty-petit-connecticut-home-invasion-case/story?id=14728687 Joshua Komisarjevsky Guilty in Connecticut Home Invasion Case Anne-Marie Dorning October 13, 2011 abcnews.go.com April 9, 2020 March 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210303035712/https://abcnews.go.com/US/joshua-komisarjevsky-guilty-petit-connecticut-home-invasion-case/story?id=14728687 live On December 9, 2011, the jury recommended the death penalty.http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-09/justice/justice_connecticut-home-invasion-case_1_william-petit-judge-jon-blue-hayes-and-komisarjevsky?_s=PM:JUSTICE Jury recommends death in Connecticut home invasion case CNN December 9, 2011 January 27, 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120204044953/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-12-09/justice/justice_connecticut-home-invasion-case_1_william-petit-judge-jon-blue-hayes-and-komisarjevsky?_s=PM%3AJUSTICE February 4, 2012 On January 27, 2012, Judge Jon Blue sentenced Komisarjevsky to death by lethal injection. His sentence also was reduced to a life sentence when the Connecticut Supreme Court vacated their sentence in 2015. As of August 16, 2016, both Lee and Komisarjevsky were transferred to separate prison facilities in Pennsylvania to serve their sentences. According to Connecticut state prison officials, the transfer was done as part of an interstate corrections compact due to reasons pertaining to "safety and security."Eaton-Robb Pat Cheshire home invasion killers Komisarjevsky, Hayes moved to Pennsylvania http://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Cheshire-home-invasion-killers-Komisarjevsky-11323607.php October 15, 2017 New Haven Register Associated Press August 19, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20171017010321/http://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/Cheshire-home-invasion-killers-Komisarjevsky-11323607.php October 17, 2017 live On August 18, after being transferred, Komisarjevsky attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself. Komisarjevsky has sought a retrial. Prior to the first trial, his attorneys were not provided with recordings that he says could have helped his case, as they were destroyed due to a lightning strike in 2010. Backups were later found in 2014 at Cheshire Town Hall. Komisarjevsky's attorneys argued that the recordings could have helped bolster their argument that the police were inadequate in their response and therefore raise questions about the credibility of their testimony.https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/komisarjevsky-lawyers-make-a-bid-for-a-new-trial/520-75cb2a8b-2624-47cb-9cc6-164698053188 Judge: Komisarjevsky's defense not given evidence in Cheshire home invasion case Sean Pragano February 23, 2016 fox61.com April 4, 2020 February 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210203122145/https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/outreach/awareness-months/komisarjevsky-lawyers-make-a-bid-for-a-new-trial/520-75cb2a8b-2624-47cb-9cc6-164698053188 live Komisarjevsky also argued that he did not receive a fair trial due to the location of the trial. Judge Jon Blue had denied a request by defense attorneys for the trial to be moved from New Haven to Stamford, as the trial venue had already been changed once because it was so notorious throughout the region. Komisarjevsky contends there was so much prejudice against him in New Haven that it was not possible for him to receive a fair trial there. In September 2019, it was revealed that the case would be heard by the Connecticut Supreme Court. The Court heard oral arguments in October 2019.https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/CT-Supreme-Court-hears-Cheshire-killer-14542277.php CT Supreme Court hears Cheshire killer Komisarjevsky's argument for new trial Randall Beach October 17, 2019 nhregister.com April 4, 2020 December 9, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191209190020/https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/CT-Supreme-Court-hears-Cheshire-killer-14542277.php livehttps://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Cheshire-triple-killer-s-request-for-new-trial-14445872.php Cheshire triple killer's request for new trial headed to CT Supreme Court Register Staff September 17, 2019 New Haven Register November 5, 2019 November 5, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191105235200/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Cheshire-triple-killer-s-request-for-new-trial-14445872.php live On April 12, 2021, the Connecticut Supreme Court rejected Komisarjevsky's appeal in a 7-0 decision.Yahoo! News https://www.yahoo.com/news/court-rejects-appeal-killer-3-135007408.html Court rejects appeal of killer of 3 in home invasion April 13, 2021 April 14, 2021 April 14, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210414105132/https://www.yahoo.com/news/court-rejects-appeal-killer-3-135007408.html live The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Komisarjevsky's appeal of the Connecticut Supreme Court's decision.https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/u-s-supreme-court-declines-to-hear-komisarjevsky-appeal-in-2007-cheshire-home-invasion/2668057/ U.S. Supreme Court Declines to Hear Komisarjevsky Appeal in 2007 Cheshire Home Invasion December 8, 2021 nbcconnecticut.com September 20, 2022 September 20, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220920205258/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/u-s-supreme-court-declines-to-hear-komisarjevsky-appeal-in-2007-cheshire-home-invasion/2668057/ live Trials Trial of Hayes Lee's trial Lee's trial began on September 13, 2010.https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/steven-hayes-trial-begins-what-to-expect/1850179/ Steven Hayes' Trial Begins, What to Expect Diana Perez September 13, 2010 nbcconnecticut.com April 9, 2020 January 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210126102537/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/steven-hayes-trial-begins-what-to-expect/1850179/ live The jury was composed of seven women and five men.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-jury-chooses-death-penalty-for-steven-hayes/ Conn. Home Invasion: Jury Chooses Death Penalty for Steven Hayes Edecio Martinez November 8, 2010 CBS News April 10, 2020 April 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200410203944/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-jury-chooses-death-penalty-for-steven-hayes/ live Lee's defense attorneys argued that Komisarjevsky was the mastermind behind the home invasion and that he was responsible for escalating the violent nature of the crime at every critical point. Prosecutors argued that both perpetrators shared responsibility. Following the completion of the trial, the jury deliberated for about five hours and reached guilty verdicts on October 5. The sentencing phase of the trial began on October 18, 2010,http://connecticut.news12.com/story/34833431/death-penalty-phase-begins-in-hayes-trial Death penalty phase begins in Hayes trial October 18, 2010 connecticut.news12.com April 10, 2020 April 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200410204525/http://connecticut.news12.com/story/34833431/death-penalty-phase-begins-in-hayes-trial live during which the jurors had to decide if Lee should be executed or imprisoned for life. Deliberations began on November 5. The first day of deliberations ended with the jury split over whether to recommend life in prison or death. The second day of these deliberations began on November 6.http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/06/connecticut.home.invasion.penalty/index.html?hpt=T2 CNN Deliberations to resume Sunday in Connecticut home invasion case November 6, 2010 November 6, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20121108215137/http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/11/06/connecticut.home.invasion.penalty/index.html?hpt=T2 November 8, 2012 live https://abcnews.go.com/US/jury-begins-day-deliberations-steven-hayes-trial/story?id=12075100 Jury Begins Day Two of Deliberations in Steven Hayes Trial ABC News August 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160131230947/https://abcnews.go.com/US/jury-begins-day-deliberations-steven-hayes-trial/story?id=12075100 January 31, 2016 live Defense attorney Thomas Ullman told the jury that a sentence of life in prison would be the harshest possible punishment for his client, because she was so tormented by her crimes and would be isolated in prison. "Life in prison without the possibility of release is the harshest penalty," Ullman said. "It is a fate worse than death. If you want to end [her] misery, put [her] to death. If you want [her] to suffer and carry that burden forever, the guilt, shame, and humiliation, sentence [her] to life without the possibility of release." On November 8, 2010, the jury returned with a recommendation that she be executed.https://abcnews.go.com/US/steven-hayes-sentenced-death-role-connecticut-home-invasion/story?id=12087221&page=2 Steven Hayes Smiles When Sentenced to Death for the Deadly Home Invasion ABC News September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141015120804/https://abcnews.go.com/US/steven-hayes-sentenced-death-role-connecticut-home-invasion/story?id=12087221&page=2 October 15, 2014 live The jury recommended a death sentence on each of the six capital felony counts for which she was convicted.http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/steven-hayes-condemed-to-die-in-fatal-connecticut-home-invasion/19707576?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7C1%7Clink2%7C24161 Conn. Man Condemned to Die for Fatal Home Invasion AOL.com September 17, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101211152538/http://www.aolnews.com/crime/article/steven-hayes-condemed-to-die-in-fatal-connecticut-home-invasion/19707576?icid=maing%7Cmain5%7C1%7Clink2%7C24161 December 11, 2010 In the sentencing phase, the jury had deliberated for about 17 hours, over the course of four days before reaching a decision. Jurors later reported that they deliberated over a long period of time so that they could weigh all the evidence properly.https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-jurors-explain-why-steven-hayes-death-penalty-decision-took-four-days/ Conn. Home Invasion Jurors Explain Why Steven Hayes Death Penalty Decision Took Four Days Edecio Martinez November 9, 2010 cbsnews.com April 10, 2020 April 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200410211016/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/conn-home-invasion-jurors-explain-why-steven-hayes-death-penalty-decision-took-four-days/ live Lee had attempted to negotiate a life sentence in a plea bargain but prosecutors chose to take the case to trial so that she could get the death penalty.Conn. home invasion break-in 'got out of control' boston.com September 22, 2010 http://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/09/22/testimony_resumes_in_conn_home_invasion_trial/ November 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100924233149/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/09/22/testimony_resumes_in_conn_home_invasion_trial/ September 24, 2010 live Christoffersen John After the verdict, her defense attorney stated: "Hayes smiled upon hearing the jury's recommendation of a death sentence." She then added: "[Hayes] is thrilled. That's what [she]'s wanted all along."https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40071693 Killer of mom, 2 daughters gets death sentence NBC News November 8, 2010 September 17, 2014 March 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230323061823/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40071693 live During a press conference after the verdict, Dr. Petit stated: "We all know that God will be the final arbiter and I think the defendant faces far more serious punishments from the Lord than [she] can ever face from mankind." He also spoke about his family, saying: "Michaela was an 11-year-old little girl tortured and killed in her own bedroom, surrounded by stuffed animals. Hayley had a great future. She was a strong and courageous person, and Jennifer helped so many kids." For the first time in state history, the Connecticut state judicial branch offered post-traumatic stress assistance to jurors, who served for two months on the triple-murder trial, because they had been required to look at disturbing images and hear grisly testimony.http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/11/10/news/doc4cda7a258ba07946812196.txt Conn. judicial branch offers Hayes jurors post-trauma assistance September 17, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120910172612/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/11/10/news/doc4cda7a258ba07946812196.txt September 10, 2012 On December 2, 2010, Lee apologized for the pain and suffering she had caused the Petit family and added that: "Death for me will be a welcome relief and I hope it will bring some peace and comfort to those who I have hurt so much."http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-hayes-statement-1203-20101130,0,7354278.story https://archive.today/20120730030828/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-hayes-statement-1203-20101130,0,7354278.story dead July 30, 2012 Steven Hayes' Statement Hartford Courant September 17, 2014 Judge Jon Blue formally imposed six death sentences, one for each of the capital charges; Blue then added a sentence of 106 years for other crimes Lee committed during the home invasion, including kidnapping, burglary, and assault, before finishing with, "This is a terrible sentence, but is, in truth, a sentence you wrote for yourself in flames. May God have mercy on your soul."https://www.cbsnews.com/news/connecticut-home-invasion-killer-found-unresponsive-in-cell/ Conn. home invasion killer found unresponsive in cell March 11, 2017 cbsnews.com April 10, 2020 April 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200410214154/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/connecticut-home-invasion-killer-found-unresponsive-in-cell/ liveSteven Hayes Sentenced to Death http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-hayes-sentenced-to-death-1203-20101130,0,2840955.story Courant.com December 2, 2010 Alaine Griffin December 3, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110328082857/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-hayes-sentenced-to-death-1203-20101130,0,2840955.story March 28, 2011 deadSteven Hayes sentenced to death in Connecticut home invasion, murders of mom, daughters of Dr. Petit http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/12/02/2010-12-02_steven_hayes_sentenced_to_death_in_connecticut_home_invasion_murders_of_mom_daug.html NYDailyNews.com December 2, 2010 Aliyah Shahid New York December 3, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110128115253/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/12/02/2010-12-02_steven_hayes_sentenced_to_death_in_connecticut_home_invasion_murders_of_mom_daug.html January 28, 2011 live The judge also gave Hayes an official execution date of May 27, 2011; Blue said the date was a formality, because if she appealed her case, her execution could be delayed for decades.Death sentence handed down in Petit home invasion case http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/connecticut.home.invasion/index.html?hpt=T2 October 15, 2017 CNN December 2, 2010 Blue gave Hayes an official execution date of May 27, 2011. However, that date is a formality, he acknowledged. In reality, unless Hayes chooses to waive some or all of his appeals, it could be decades before he is put to death. https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070439/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/connecticut.home.invasion/index.html?hpt=T2 October 16, 2017 live Her death sentence became a life sentence in August 2015 when the state abolished capital punishment.https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/prison-says-joshua-komisarjevsky-tried-committing-suicide/61952/ Prison Says Joshua Komisarjevsky Tried Committing Suicide August 25, 2016 nbcconnecticut.com April 2, 2020 April 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200415114825/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/prison-says-joshua-komisarjevsky-tried-committing-suicide/61952/ liveItaliano Laura Death-row inmates guilty of gruesome home invasion will live https://nypost.com/2015/08/14/death-row-inmates-guilty-of-gruesome-home-invasion-will-live/ October 15, 2017 New York Post August 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070801/http://nypost.com/2015/08/14/death-row-inmates-guilty-of-gruesome-home-invasion-will-live/ October 16, 2017 live Trial of Komisarjevsky Komisarjevsky's trial Komisarjevsky's attorneys offered for him to plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, but prosecutors took the case to trial in order to give him the death penalty. Komisarjevsky's trial began on September 19, 2011.https://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-murder-trial-starts-911-call-bank-manager/story?id=14556175 Petit Murder Trial II Starts With Chilling 911 Call From Bank Manager Anne-Marie Dorning Gianna Toboni September 19, 2011 abcnews.go.com April 9, 2020 April 17, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200417135047/https://abcnews.go.com/US/petit-murder-trial-starts-911-call-bank-manager/story?id=14556175 live His attorneys blamed Lee for the murders, arguing that she was the criminal mastermind, while Komisarjevsky was a confused and easily led man who did not intend to kill anyone.https://abcnews.go.com/US/joshua-komisarjevsky-death-sentence-massacre-survivor-peace/story?id=15097270 Joshua Komisarjevsky's Death Sentence Gives Massacre Survivor Peace Anne-Marie Dorning December 9, 2011 abcnews.go.com April 10, 2020 April 11, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200411105733/https://abcnews.go.com/US/joshua-komisarjevsky-death-sentence-massacre-survivor-peace/story?id=15097270 live Komisarjevsky was found guilty on October 13, 2011. On December 9, 2011, the jury recommended the death penalty. During the hearing, Judge Blue said "This is a terrible sentence, but it's one you wrote for yourself with deeds of unimaginable horror and savagery."https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Komisarjevsky-formally-sentenced-to-death-for-11826070.php Komisarjevsky formally sentenced to death for Cheshire home invasion, murders Randall Beach January 27, 2012 middletownpress.com April 9, 2020 February 3, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210203122148/https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Komisarjevsky-formally-sentenced-to-death-for-11826070.php live Komisarjevsky made a statement during the sentencing hearing. He spoke about the shame, disappointment, and hurt he had caused, saying: "I will never find peace within. My life will be a continuation of the hurt I caused. The clock is now ticking and I owe a debt I cannot repay."Second Conn. home invasion killer is sentenced to death http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/01/27/10251592-second-conn-home-invasion-killer-is-sentenced-to-death U.S. News on MSNBC.com January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130510112544/http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/01/27/10251592-second-conn-home-invasion-killer-is-sentenced-to-death May 10, 2013 live Though he acknowledged taking part in the crime, he insisted that he did not intend to kill anyone, saying: "Millions have judged me guilty of capital offenses I did not commit. I did not intend for those women to die. They were never supposed to lose their lives. I don't need twelve people to tell me what I'm guilty or not guilty of. None of them were there that morning. I know my responsibilities. I will bear them as I should. What I cannot do is claim responsibility for the actions of another." He spoke about how the trial affected him, saying that he had become "quite comfortable in the face of hatred and bigotry" and said that the jury who recommended the death penalty for him "believed me so worthless even my very existence is deemed intolerable." He also said that forgiveness was not his to have, and that he needed to forgive his worst enemy – himself.https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/cheshire-home-invasion-killer-to-speak-at-sentencing/1913811/ Komisarjevsky Sentenced to Death January 27, 2012 nbcconnecticut.com April 10, 2020 April 10, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200410222840/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/cheshire-home-invasion-killer-to-speak-at-sentencing/1913811/ live During his victim impact statement, Dr. Petit described the crime as his personal holocaust and said "I have a difficult time sleeping and trusting anymore. I hope to continue to honor my family. I push forward in the hope that good will overcome evil." Blue set July 20, 2012, as Komisarjevsky's execution date.Judge Sentences Komisarjevsky To Death http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-komisarjevsky-sentenced-0128-20120127,0,1199254.story Courant.com January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012 Griffin Alaine https://web.archive.org/web/20120302190257/http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/cheshire-home-invasion/hc-komisarjevsky-sentenced-0128-20120127,0,1199254.story March 2, 2012 dead As with Lee, Komisarjevsky's death sentence was commuted to a life sentence in August 2015. Subsequent developments in Connecticut capital punishment law Capital punishment in Connecticut The Cheshire home invasion murders had a significant impact on Connecticut's laws regarding the death penalty and on the debate surrounding the topic. The case motivated proponents of Connecticut's death penalty and was cited as a reason that any repeal of the capital punishment in the state should not extend to those already on death row. The Hartford Courant listed the Cheshire murders and the subsequent death penalty repeal as some of the top stories that shaped the 2010s. "The Cheshire home invasion murders and the subsequent repeal of the death penalty dominated the political and criminal justice landscapes in Connecticut for the first half of the decade." The murders halted momentum to end the state's death penalty and ultimately delayed that abolition.https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/01/joshua_komisarjevsky_sentenced.html Joshua Komisarjevsky sentenced to death in home invasion, Petit family slayings in Cheshire, Conn. January 27, 2012 masslive.com April 2, 2020 April 15, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200415131826/https://www.masslive.com/news/2012/01/joshua_komisarjevsky_sentenced.html live In 2009, the Connecticut General Assembly sent legislation to abolish the state's death penalty to Governor M. Jodi Rell ostensibly to be signed into law. However, on June 5, 2009, Rell vetoed the bill instead and cited the Cheshire murders as an exemplary reason for doing so.Governor Rell Vetoes HB 6578, An Act Concerning the Penalty for a Capital Felony CT.gov State of Connecticut http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=441204 June 5, 2009 November 10, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101019045626/http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=441204 October 19, 2010 dead On November 8, 2010, Rell issued the following statement regarding the jury's recommendation of a sentence of death for Lee: The crimes that were committed on that brutal July night were so far out of the range of normal understanding that now, more than three years later, we still find it difficult to accept that they happened in one of our communities. I have long believed that there are certain crimes so heinous, so depraved, that society is best served by imposing the ultimate sanction on the criminal. [Lee] stands convicted of such crimes – and today the jury has recommended that [she] should be subjected to the death penalty. I agree.Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell on Verdict in Trial of Steven Hayes October 5, 2010 https://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3872&Q=466696 April 11, 2020 January 26, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210126021635/https://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3872&Q=466696 deadhttps://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Statement-of-Gov-Rell-on-Hayes-decision-11603675.php Statement of Gov. Rell on Hayes decision November 8, 2010 nhregister.com April 11, 2020 April 11, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200411153017/https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Statement-of-Gov-Rell-on-Hayes-decision-11603675.php live On April 11, 2012, the Connecticut House of Representatives voted to repeal capital punishment for future cases (leaving past death sentences in place). The Connecticut Senate had already voted for the bill, and on April 25 Governor Dan Malloy signed the bill into law.Applebome Peter Death Penalty Repeal Goes to Connecticut Governor https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/nyregion/connecticut-house-votes-to-repeal-death-penalty.html October 15, 2017 The New York Times April 11, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122102/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/nyregion/connecticut-house-votes-to-repeal-death-penalty.html October 16, 2017 livehttps://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/justice/connecticut-death-penalty-law-repealed/index.html Connecticut becomes 17th state to abolish death penalty David Ariosto April 25, 2012 cnn.com April 11, 2020 April 11, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200411153630/https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/justice/connecticut-death-penalty-law-repealed/index.html live In August 2015, the Connecticut Supreme Court declared all capital punishment inconsistent with the state constitution, effectively commuting the killers' sentences to life imprisonment. Aftermath The home invasion murders led to immediate calls for reforms to Connecticut's criminal justice system. On July 31, 2007, Governor Rell ordered electronic monitoring of paroled burglars. On September 21, she banned parole for violent offenders and ordered a review of convicts already on parole. On July 31, Governor Rell called for a special session to consider tougher crime legislation and on August 31 she appointed a task force to examine Connecticut's criminal justice system. On January 25, 2008, Rell signed a 43-page bipartisan crime bill. Home invasion became a new class of crime which could result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years. The bill also paid for an upgrade to computer systems for law enforcement agencies.https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-petit-cheshire-home-invasion-timeline-htmlstory.html Timeline: Deadly Cheshire Home Invasion July 16, 2013 courant.com April 11, 2020 April 11, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200411160501/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-petit-cheshire-home-invasion-timeline-htmlstory.html live In 2007, John Carpenter, an employee of the Chase Collegiate School, ran the New York City Marathon, raising $8,554 for the "Miles for Michaela" campaign – a scholarship benefit.Find out more about Miles for Michaela https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/popup?id=3810344 October 15, 2017 ABC News November 2, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122200/https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/popup?id=3810344 October 16, 2017 live The same year, Dr. Petit established the Michaela Rose Petit '14 Scholarship Fund of the Chase Collegiate School."Endowed Funds at Chase Collegiate School https://web.archive.org/web/20110725161620/http://www.chasecollegiate.org/page.cfm?p=1800 July 25, 2011 ." Chase Collegiate School. Retrieved on November 9, 2010. He also established the Hayley's Hope & Michaela's Miracle MS Memorial Fund. On January 6, 2008, over 130,000 luminaria candles were lit in front of thousands of homes across Cheshire in "Cheshire Lights of Hope", a fundraiser for multiple sclerosis and a tribute to the Petit family. Founded by a local couple, Don and Jenifer Walsh, the event raised over $100,000 for Hayley's Hope and Michaela's Miracle Memorial funds.http://www.nbc30.com/news/14988462/detail.html NBC Connecticut Local News NBC Connecticut September 17, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080907100527/http://www.nbc30.com/news/14988462/detail.html September 7, 2008 The murders and their aftermath were featured on the news magazine show Dateline NBC, in a segment titled "The Family on Sorghum Mill Drive",http://insidedateline.nbcnews.com/_news/2010/10/07/5251978-oct-8-the-mystery-of-horseshoe-drive-and-revisiting-the-family-on-sorghum-mill-drive Oct. 8: 'The Mystery of Horseshoe Drive' and revisiting 'The Family on Sorghum Mill Drive' Inside Dateline August 13, 2015 NBC News August 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150817225400/http://insidedateline.nbcnews.com/_news/2010/10/07/5251978-oct-8-the-mystery-of-horseshoe-drive-and-revisiting-the-family-on-sorghum-mill-drive August 17, 2015 live and on December 9, 2010, William Petit appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in a full-hour episode about the murders of his family and the work of the Petit Family Foundation.Harpo Productions, Inc. "In his first interview: Grieving husband and father Dr. William Petit on the unspeakable tragedy in Connecticut https://web.archive.org/web/20101207062750/http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Dr-William-Petit-on-the-Unspeakable-Tragedy-in-Connecticut December 7, 2010 ." The Oprah Winfrey Show. December 9, 2010. Retrieved on May 18, 2011. On August 5, 2012, Petit married Christine Paluf and moved to Farmington, Connecticut. He met her when she was volunteering with the Petit Family Foundation.Dr. William Petit, victim of Cheshire home invasion, remarries http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/08/06/news/doc501ff564d4a7f214714500.txt https://archive.today/20130723175255/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/08/06/news/doc501ff564d4a7f214714500.txt dead July 23, 2013 July 23, 2013 The New Haven Register August 6, 2012 HBO broadcast a documentary by filmmaker David Heilbroner called The Cheshire Murders about the murders on July 22, 2013.Amarante Joe Cheshire to relive painful time in HBO film http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013/07/11/opinion/doc51df398c1b6e4022610658.txt https://archive.today/20130714002234/http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2013/07/11/opinion/doc51df398c1b6e4022610658.txt dead July 14, 2013 July 14, 2013 The New Haven Register July 11, 2013Stuever Hank https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/hbos-the-cheshire-murders-explores-the-shades-of-gray-in-an-open-shut-case/2013/07/21/c086abbc-ed88-11e2-a1f9-ea873b7e0424_story.html HBO's The Cheshire Murders Explores the Shades of Gray in an Open-Shut Case Washington Post July 21, 2013 October 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170830151544/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/hbos-the-cheshire-murders-explores-the-shades-of-gray-in-an-open-shut-case/2013/07/21/c086abbc-ed88-11e2-a1f9-ea873b7e0424_story.html August 30, 2017 live On August 1, 2013, Petit told station WFSB that he and Paluf were expecting a child together.http://www.wfsb.com/global/category.asp?c=208507&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9155625 Video Landing Page – WFSB 3 Connecticut Wfsb.com January 2, 2013 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140202214058/http://www.wfsb.com/global/category.asp?c=208507&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9155625 February 2, 2014 live The baby, who was revealed to be a boy and named William Petit III, was born on November 28, 2013.Fields Liz https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/11/home-invasion-survivor-william-petit-welcomes-baby-in-time-for-thanksgiving/ Home Invasion Survivor William Petit Welcomes Baby in Time for Thanksgiving – ABC News Abcnews.go.com November 28, 2013 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140115093543/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/11/home-invasion-survivor-william-petit-welcomes-baby-in-time-for-thanksgiving/ January 15, 2014 live http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/picture-baby-boy-born-connecticut-doctor-years-wife-daughters-murdered-article-1.1531806 First picture of baby boy born to doctor 6 years after his wife, daughters were murdered NY Daily News November 28, 2013 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140119041714/http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/picture-baby-boy-born-connecticut-doctor-years-wife-daughters-murdered-article-1.1531806 January 19, 2014 live In October 2013, Petit announced that he was considering running for Congress for the Republican Partyhttp://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/10/11/dr-william-petit-approached-by-gop-officials-to-run-for-congress/ Dr. William Petit Approached By GOP Officials To Run For Congress Newyork.cbslocal.com October 11, 2013 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140106182451/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/10/11/dr-william-petit-approached-by-gop-officials-to-run-for-congress/ January 6, 2014 live http://articles.courant.com/2013-10-10/news/hc-petit-congress-5th-1011-20131010_1_petit-family-foundation-republican-leaders-state-capitol Dr. William Petit and politics: Dr. William Petit, the lone survivor of the Cheshire home invasion in 2007 in which his wife and two daughters were killed, is being wooed by Republican leaders to run for Congress in the 5th District. Hartford Courant October 10, 2013 January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140128191928/http://articles.courant.com/2013-10-10/news/hc-petit-congress-5th-1011-20131010_1_petit-family-foundation-republican-leaders-state-capitol January 28, 2014 dead after being approached by the National Republican Congressional Committee, who had asked him if he would be interested in running. Petit ultimately decided not to be a candidate.Swift Jennifer Dr. William Petit Won't Run For Congress http://www.connecticutmag.com/the-connecticut-story/dr-william-petit-won-t-run-for-congress/article_780a3820-0cf9-5588-b94e-1fbe594c1565.html October 15, 2017 Connecticut Magazine February 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20181116215921/http://www.connecticutmag.com/the-connecticut-story/dr-william-petit-won-t-run-for-congress/article_780a3820-0cf9-5588-b94e-1fbe594c1565.html November 16, 2018 live But in May 2016, Petit announced a bid for Connecticut's 22nd House District.http://www.courant.com/politics/elections/hc-bill-petit-state-legislature-20160518-story.html Dr. William Petit Running For State Legislature In Plainville Blair Russell Hartford Courant February 24, 2017 en-US https://web.archive.org/web/20170225054705/http://www.courant.com/politics/elections/hc-bill-petit-state-legislature-20160518-story.html February 25, 2017 live Petit was elected, ousting 11-term Democratic Representative Betty Boukus, and served as representative in the Connecticut House of Representatives until January 2023.May 12, 2022 Rep. William Petit joins series of legislators leaving at the end of this term https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-connecticut-state-races-20220512-bwcgvewce5ahpfpbif4n3wytai-story.html May 2, 2023 Hartford Courant en-US December 11, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221211234235/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-connecticut-state-races-20220512-bwcgvewce5ahpfpbif4n3wytai-story.html live William condemned the Connecticut Supreme Court's decision to abolish the death penalty in August 2015, saying he believed the court had overstepped its powers and urging it to give greater consideration to the "emotional impact, particularly on victims and their loved ones" that death penalty cases generate.Casey Nicholas Connecticut Death Penalty Ruling Stirs Painful Memories of 3 Grisly Killings https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/15/nyregion/connecticut-death-penalty-ruling-stirs-painful-memories-of-3-grisly-killings.html October 15, 2017 The New York Times August 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20170810172712/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/15/nyregion/connecticut-death-penalty-ruling-stirs-painful-memories-of-3-grisly-killings.html August 10, 2017 live Hawke-Petit's sister Cindy Hawke Renn told NBC News that she was "disheartened" by the court's ruling. See also The Rising: Murder, Heartbreak, and the Power of Human Resilience in an American Town, a book written about the aftermath 2015 Washington, D.C., quadruple murder incident Logan murder Notes References 30em External links right Photograph of Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky Photograph of Petit family Petit Family Foundation Messages about the death of Hayley Petit – Miss Porter's School (scroll down to see messages related to the Petits) Miles for Michaela at the Internet Archive Statement of Governor M. Jodi Rell, on verdict in trial of Steven Hayes The Cheshire Murders documentary, HBO.com Biography Connecticut Law Category:2007 in Connecticut Category:2007 murders in the United States Category:Arson in Connecticut Category:Attacks in the United States in 2007 Category:Capital murder cases Category:Capital punishment in Connecticut Category:Cheshire, Connecticut Category:Child murder in Connecticut Category:Crimes in Connecticut Category:Family murders in the United States Category:Incidents of violence against women Category:July 2007 crimes in the United States Category:Murder in Connecticut Category:Rapes in the United States Category:Sexual violence in the United States Category:Child sexual abuse in the United States Category:Attacks on buildings and structures in 2007 Category:Arson in 2007 Category:Residential building fires in the United States Category:2007 fires in the United States Category:Incidents of violence against girls in the United States Category:Attacks on residential buildings in the United States