Steven C. Hayes American Assassin Country: USA

Biography of Stephen Hayes

Stephen Hayes is an American criminal who was convicted of three murders and two sexual assaults. In 2007, he committed these crimes against the wife and two daughters of Dr. William Petit, an endocrinologist. At the time of the crimes, Hayes was 44 years old. The only survivor of the Petit family after the horrifying events that took place in their home was William, the father. His wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their daughters, 11-year-old Michaela and 17-year-old Hayley, fell victim to Hayes, a drug addict, and his accomplice Joshua Komisarjevsky, a 26-year-old grandson of the famous director Theodore Komisarjevsky.

The criminals had planned the attack on the prestigious neighborhood in Cheshire, Connecticut for some time. Upon breaking into the house, they assaulted and tied up William before throwing him into the basement. Jennifer, Michaela, and Hayley were also bound and separated into different bedrooms. Initially, the criminals demanded money from the Petit family. However, when they did not find enough cash in the house, they took the daughters hostage and sent Jennifer to the bank, threatening to kill Michaela and Hayley if she did not return or returned with the police. When the terrified woman complied with their demands and brought $15,000, it turned out that the family's suffering had only just begun.

Jennifer Hawke-Petit was strangled during the sexual assault, and later evidence emerged that she was assaulted twice. Hayley and Michaela were tied to their beds, while the criminals spread gasoline throughout the house and set it on fire. Both girls died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hayes later admitted that his initial plan was only to rob the Petit family, but things spiraled out of control. The tragedy was endured by William alone, as he managed to escape from the basement where the criminals had left him. Unfortunately, he was unable to save his loved ones – his wife was dead, and the house was engulfed in flames.

The crime caused a huge public outcry in Connecticut and across the country. Hayes was found guilty of attacking the Petit family and was sentenced to death. Komisarjevsky's sentence has not yet been determined. Stephen Hayes, in the opinion of the jurors, deserved the death penalty.

It is known that Hayes was terrified of a life sentence and attempted suicide several times while awaiting his sentence in prison. However, it is also known that while in prison, Stephen Hayes boasted about killing 17 people in the northeastern United States. Currently, he is incarcerated on death row.

William, after enduring the horror and losing his family, lives with his parents. He is actively involved in charity work and has established a foundation in memory of his wife and daughters. The charitable foundation helps sick children and victims of violence. Those close to William know that he was devastated immediately after the loss of his family and required significant psychological support.