Judge Hopes To Continue With Hayes Jury Selection On March 15

March 9, 2010 by Josh Morgan

Jury selection for the murder trial of Steven Hayes is expected to resume on March 15, after the presiding judge heard firsthand about Hayes’ treatment, following his failed suicide attempt, believing enough progress had been made to resume the proceedings.
Hayes, who tried to kill himself by overdosing on prescription medication on Jan. 30, appeared in court on March 2 for a status hearing on his treatment while incarcerated awaiting trial for the murders of three Cheshire women. His lawyers argued that his conditions were “inhumane,” with lights being kept on 24 hours a day so Hayes could not sleep. They also reported he was being denied his medication.
A doctor and a counseling supervisor testified Tuesday morning about Hayes' treatment, stating that measures were being taken to keep him from hurting himself. Such measures include wearing a Ferguson gown and Ferguson blanket, items intended to be used with inmates on suicide watch so they cannot tear the items apart and harm themselves. Because of Hayes' failed suicide attempt, where he took approximately 10 times the normal prescribed doses of medication, he has been under close watch within MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution in Suffield. It was stated that he receives special equipment, such as a rubber ended toothbrush and a rubber spoon, which he uses under supervision and returns when he is done. Jury selection was halted Jan. 31 after Hayes was found unconscious in his cell.
Superior Court Judge Jon Blue said he personally visited Hayes on Monday. A transcript of that visit was made public earlier this week.
Blue and both the defense and prosecution, were present and asked questions during the brief visit, to see firsthand the conditions of Hayes' confinement. According to the transcript, Hayes is being kept in a 96-square-foot safe cell in the infirmary, complete with a window. Discussing the issues of bright lights that were kept on 24 hours a day to monitor Hayes, prison officials stated that they had tinted the light around a week ago, but it was still on constantly.
Another status hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, and Blue was optimistic that Hayes has made enough progress for jury selection to resume on March 15. Defendants have the legal right to attend jury selection proceedings and confer with their attorneys about jurors.
Before Hayes’ failed suicide attempt, four jurors were selected for the trial that is expected to start on Sept. 13. A total of 20 jurors will be chosen for the trial.
Hayes, as well as Joshua Komisarjevsky, are charged with capital murder, a crime which carries the death penalty. Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters, Hayley and Michaela were killed during a home invasion on July 23, 2007. Dr. William Petit was beaten, but survived the attack and has attended nearly every court date with members of his family.
Officials refused to comment further on the case, citing a court imposed gag order that was issued in 2007.