Associated Press - July 27, 2010 1:14 PM ET
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut man whose wife and two daughters were killed in a home invasion three years ago urged voters to support elected officials who favor the death penalty.
Dr. William Petit said Tuesday that lawmakers who voted last year to abolish the death penalty do not represent the will of the majority.
Petit spoke after a hearing in New Haven Superior Court that focused on arguments by attorneys for a man charged with killing Petit's family about the constitutionality of Connecticut's death penalty.
Lawyers for 47-year-old Steven Hayes argued executions should no longer be permitted. They cited the legislature's decision to abolish the death penalty, even though Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed the bill.
The judge didn't immediately issue a ruling. Petit called the arguments frivolous.
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