CT Murder Victims' Families Seek Death Penalty Repeal

HARTFORD, CT (AP / WCBS 880) - The families of murder victims are gathering at the state Capitol to voice support for repealing Connecticut's death penalty.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau reports

The group is scheduled to hold a news conference on Wednesday.

Seventy-six people who have all lost loved ones to murder have signed a letter saying capital punishment in Connecticut offers a "false promise that goes unfilled,'' leaving the families frustrated and angry after fighting the legal system for years.

The group also argues that the state is wasting millions of dollars in the process. They say the money could help provide services to victims.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has said he will sign legislation abolishing the state's death penalty, a marked change from former Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who supported capital punishment for particularly heinous crimes.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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• Capital Punishment