Conn. Home Invasion: Steven Hayes Sentenced to Death for Triple Murder
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (CBS/WFSB) Several jurors who condemned Steven Hayes to death for his role in the 2007 Cheshire home invasion were in attendance for his sentencing on Wednesday, saying they wanted to see the process through.
New Haven Superior Court Judge Jon Blue pronounced Steven Hayes' sentence Thursday morning, sentencing him to death.
Hayes was convicted in the 2007 killings of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters, 17-year-old Hayley and 11-year-old Michaela.
According to CBS affiliate WFSB, the courtroom was packed for Hayes' sentencing, and four jurors, who were not required to attend, were in attendance.
Juror Paula Calzetta says she showed because she wanted to follow through to the very end.
Joel Zemke, the foreman for the trial phase, says he feels he's part of "something bigger."
Some jurors said they took advantage of counseling offered after sitting through the gruesome trial.
Ian Cassell, the foreman for the penalty phase, says the counseling helped him deal with the aftereffects.
A video made by Jennifer Hawke-Petit's sister, Cynthia Renn, was played in the courtroom on Wednesday. Hayes, his arms and legs shackled, watched the video.
Dr. William Petit's father, William Petit Sr., also made a statement during the sentencing hearing. He described his drive to the family's Cheshire, Conn. home the morning of the arson and said he passed the ambulance and saw the family's crashed car.
"Not only did we lose Jennifer, Michaela and Hayley," Petit Sr. said. "We also lost the son we used to know."