Connecticut family deaths ruled homicides

CHESHIRE, Conn., July 25 (UPI) -- Two ex-cons were held in lieu of $15 million bail Wednesday in connection with the alleged slaying of three people in an upscale Connecticut suburb.

Police in Cheshire said Steven Hayes, 44, and Joshua Komisarjevsky, 26, face a long list of potential charges -- including three counts of murder -- in the deaths of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11.

The women were found dead inside the family home early Monday, in what investigators said they believe was a home-invasion robbery. Hawke-Petit's husband, Dr. William Petit, escaped after being tied up in the basement and was hospitalized.

CNN said Wednesday that Hawke-Petit had been forced to go with the suspects to a nearby bank and withdraw cash.

The Hartford Courant said Hawke-Petit told the bank teller she needed the $15,000 because her family was being held hostage. She was then apparently strangled while her daughters died of smoke inhalation after the home was set ablaze.

All three deaths have been ruled homicides.