Two Years Later, Pain is Still Fresh
The victims of the deadly home invasion in Cheshire are remembered
By AMANDA RAUS
Updated 11:16 AM EDT, Fri, Jul 24, 2009
A heart made out of flowers stands in the place where two years earlier, Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley and Michaela, lost their lives.
"For anyone who lived here at the time of the tragedy, it's a day you wish never happened, but it's a day you'll never forget," said Michael Milone, Cheshire's Town Manager.
The three women will also never be forgotten. On Thursday, a memorial service was held in their honor at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville.
"It's just like yesterday. It's been a very distressing time," said Greta Moore of Plainville.
"It's probably very difficult to cope, coping with it the best they can. But when you lose your whole family like that, it's hard to stand it," said Ray Corsini of Plainville.
Outside the church, Dr. William Petit greeted friends and family who came in. He remained a pillar of strength.
"One of the things that's been really significant is the way Dr. Petit has conducted himself, that he's been a real inspiration to the people in this community," said Milone.
The community, one that he and the Petit women have done so much for, is giving something back. A memorial garden now sits on the Petit property.
"Some of the flowers are in honor of Jen, Hayley and KK," said Christina Gilleylen, the garden coordinator.
She worked to get the garden ready in time for the two year anniversary. She says an anonymous donor helped with the flowers, ones that pay tribute to three angels.
"I hope people could enjoy it for what it is, which is a nice place to come now for peace and contemplation. Some of the neighbors say they've been bringing their children there now, which I know the girls would have loved," said Gilleylen.
This year was a little more difficult for family and friends, who have been waiting for justice. Dr. Petit expressed his concerns on Tuesday that the two suspects, Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky, have yet to go to trial.
Defense attorneys have said the two suspects will plead guilty, if the death penalty is taken off the table. The prosecution and family said no. The suspects will go to trial in January.
First Published: Jul 23, 2009 9:43 PM EDT
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