Convicted murderer Steven Hayes.

Psychologist testifies in Hayes case

Updated: Tuesday, 26 Oct 2010, 12:52 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 26 Oct 2010, 11:02 AM EDT

New Haven, Conn. (AP) - A jury has begun hearing from a defense psychologist as it weighs whether a man convicted of killing a woman and her two daughters during a home invasion should be sentenced to death.

The jury in New Haven is considering punishment for Steven Hayes.

He was convicted earlier this month of killing Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters, 17-year-old Hayley and 11-year-old Michaela, at their Cheshire home in 2007. The jury will decide whether he deserves execution or life in prison.

Testimony began Tuesday with the defense calling Dr. Mark Cunningham.

Hayes's attorneys have tried to show their client repeatedly tried to kill himself and was remorseful, while portraying his co-defendant as the mastermind of the attacks.

Share Your Thoughts

Please share your opinions responsibly.

Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users or are offensive in nature may be removed as defined by the Terms of Service. WTNH is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. Comments may not appear right away. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report Abuse."