Conn. governor signs bill to repeal death penalty
A file photo of Connecticut religious leaders who oppose the death penalty stopping for a prayer during a march to the state Capitol for a rally in favor of repealing the punishment at state level in Hartford, Conn. (April 3, 2012) Credit: AP
A spokeswoman says Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill Wednesday afternoon at a private ceremony with lawmakers, clergy and family members of victims.
Malloy issued a statement calling it "an historic moment" as Connecticut joins 16 other states that have abolished capital punishment. He said it was a moment "for sober reflection, not celebration."
The law replaced the death penalty with a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release. It does not affect the sentences of the 11 inmates already on Connecticut's death row.
A former prosecutor, Malloy said his position on the death penalty has evolved over the years.
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Construction worker killed in crash ... Capsized boat that killed mother, baby was overcrowded ... Trump to LI ... Coffee with international twist
