Connecticut Governor Rell Announces Review of Justice System in Wake of Cheshire Tragedy

‘All of Us Grieve for the Tragic, Senseless and Inexplicable Loss of Three Bright and Promising Lives’ Connecticut Governor Says

July 26, 2007 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today said she joins the state in mourning the deaths of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Petit and Michaela Petit of Cheshire and the vicious assault on Dr. William Petit Jr.

“Like the rest of Connecticut I have watched with horror – and mounting anger – as the events in Cheshire have unfolded. All of us grieve for the tragic, senseless and inexplicable loss of three bright and promising lives, and we mourn with Dr. Petit as he struggles to heal not only in body but in spirit.

“When news of this attack first came out many of us were shocked and disgusted. Now, like others, I am angry – angry that this vital family has been shattered, angry that this heinous crime was committed in Connecticut. It is a shocking and brutal crime, and for some it may seem as if nothing will ever be the same.

“But there are thousands of dedicated state and local police officers who work night and day to keep us safe, as do firefighters, paramedics and countless others. Family, friends and neighbors watch out for each other. Even strangers step in to help in times of need.

“Yet more can be done. In the wake of this tragedy I have ordered a full-scale review of key steps in the justice system to identify individuals who may be a risk for committing more serious crimes.

“I want a top-to-bottom assessment of all the procedures and processes involved in charging, sentencing and releasing those convicted of crimes in Connecticut. I want the facts of the Cheshire case to be used as a touchstone during the course of this examination.

“I am appointing retired Appellate Court Judge Thomas West; Linda Holden, a victim advocate and executive director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and a retired prosecutor yet to be selected as co-chairs of the review panel. The panel will also include representatives of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Department of Correction, the Judicial Branch, law enforcement and others.

“Meanwhile, I have asked our Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to offer whatever assistance Cheshire officials may require.

“We owe it to the victims, their family and friends and to the public to thoroughly examine all facets of this terrible crime and address any weaknesses we may find. Our citizens deserve to have confidence that Connecticut's communities are safe.”

Source: State of Connecticut

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