Here are statemetns of reaction from Gov. Jodi Rell and Dannel Malloy, the Democratic former Stamford mayor who wants to take her job, on the conviction of Steven Hayes on 16 counts in the July 2007 slayings of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Petit and Michaela Petit of Cheshire.
“The murders of the Petit family horrified and disgusted us all, almost beyond the ability of words to convey,” Rell said. ” Today’s verdicts are a measure of justice – but they can never begin to restore the promise lost on that terrible day in July. That grief may ebb over time but it can never be fully expunged. I commend Dr. Petit and his extended family for the remarkable strength and dignity they have displayed throughout this agonizing ordeal – which, of course, will continue through the penalty phase, the trial of another suspect and the legal proceedings that are certain to follow. I know that the people of Connecticut will continue to keep the Petit and Hawke families in their thoughts and prayers in the months to come.”
MALLOY:
“The justice system is working as it should. My heart goes out to Dr. Petit, his family, and their friends. I pray for them that this entire process ends as soon as possible, and that justice is done.”