Judge allows Hayes statement at trial

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Comments made by Cheshire murder suspect Steven Hayes during a police interview will be allowed at his trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Hayes' attorneys wanted to suppress the contents of his interview with state police detectives the day of the Cheshire triple homicide because police didn't tape record it.

In his motion to the court New Haven Chief Public Defender Thomas Ullmann said Hayes' statements must not be revealed to the jury during his upcoming trial in order to protect his right to due process, his privilege against self-incrimination, his right to consult with an attorney and his right to present a defense.

Prosecutors opposed the motion, and the judge ruled in their favor, allowing the comments.

Hayes' capitol murder trial in the 2007 deaths of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters Michaela and Hayley is scheduled for Sept 13.

Both Hayes and Dr. William Petit, who survived the attack, were in the courtroom for the hearing. Dr. Petit will be taking the stand as a witness during the trial.

"You can actually feel the stress level creeping up," Petit said. "I try to think about doing the right thing and testifying to what I know and be the face of my family since they can't be here to represent themselves."

During the hearing a juror was excused for economic hardship reasons. An alternate was selected to join the jury panel.