Defendant in home invasion murder has long criminal record
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/CRIME/09/24/connecticut.murder.trial/story.steven.hayes.ctsp.jpg caption="Steven Hayes is accused of killing three members of a Connecticut family in a 2007 home invasion." width=300 height=169]
Swetha Iyengar
In Session
(CNN) - Steven Hayes, the man accused of the high-profile of killing of three members of a Connecticut family in a 2007 home invasion, has been a convicted felon since 1980, his criminal record shows.
Hayes, 47, who has entered a plea of not guilty, is currently on trial in New Haven, Connecticut for the murders of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters.
Hayes' eight-page criminal report, obtained by CNN, shows a long history of burglary, larceny, drug possession and forgery. He has been in and out of the criminal justice system since he was 17 years-old.
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Filed under: 360° Radar |
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I'm not usually into the whole "eye for an eye" concept, but when there is so much evidence against this man, and when I look at the three innocent faces he took, I agree that he should be sentenced. What goes on the mind of man raping and murdering a woman and her daughters? What did he really think he was going to get out of this? A few minutes of pleasure? Is that really worth stealing the futures of a mother and her little girls?
But then again, I wonder, is death a worthy punishment for this man? I feel like that would almost be a reward. He'd be getting off easy. But it's better to guarantee that the rest of the world is safe from one more murder.
This story is shocking. What these men allegedly did is despicable and unfortunately, for a citizen of South Africa, oh so familiar. We read of this type of violence in my country on a daily basis. The light at the end of the tunnel for the family of the deceased is that these vile men might face the death penalty on conviction. I certainly hope that the prosecution will ask for death sentence.
Whilst they suffer through the trail and beyond, my prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased.
A Nel
Pretoria: South Africa
I remember when these murders ocurred, they made me sick then and sick now. I just can't bear to watch TV when they talk about them. If you never believed in the death penalty, these murders will change your mind, I have. Having been a juror in a murder trail, this is one I couldn't sit through.
I can't think of a word ugly enough for this individual.
Dr Petit was my fathers doctor for more than 15 years. He was caring,sensitive and an amazing doctor. We pray for Dr. Petit and his family every day. Dr Petit took care of so many families every day and I pray his family is taken care of ....Thanks Anderson for covering this story.
Thanks so so very much for not revealing the graphic details of this case. It was done in a very tactful way and I appreciate and respect the decision to resist the urge to sensationalize this family's horrific experience.