Expert: Hayes is Suicidal and Waiting to Die

Steven Hayes is suicidal and waiting for the state to execute him, a prison system psychiatrist says.

Hayes is one of two men charged in the 2007 Cheshire home invasion that left a mother and her two daughters dead. If convicted, he faces either the death penalty or life in prison.

Jury selection had begun in his trial and was suspended after he tried to kill himself by overdosing on prescribed medication, officials said.

Dr. Suzanne Ducate, who heads psychiatric services for the state's prison system, testified on Wednesday in New Haven Superior Court that Hayes told her he is still "very hopeless" after his failed suicide attempt in January.

Officials have taken away Hayes’ medication since the suicide attempt and another hearing was held to discuss prison conditions and Hayes’ mental state.

A state judge is trying to determine when to resume jury selection in the case and a hearing is under way today in New Haven.
 

Copyright Associated Press / NBC Connecticut

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