** UPDATE **

           TWO ARRESTS ANNOUNCED IN CHESHIRE

                                   ARSON/HOMICIDE

   The two arrests in the investigation into the triple Homicide at the Petit residence in Cheshire was announced by Cheshire and State Police Major Crime Squad Detectives.

   Both accused have been formally charged with several crimes in this incident as the investigation continues. 

   The Office of the Chief State’s Medical Examiner will conduct three post mortem examinations today to determine the exact manner and cause of death.

   State Police Major Crime Squad Detectives and Cheshire Police are expected to file additional charges in this case.

   Both accused were formally charged and processed at the Cheshire Police Station. They were held on bond and will be arraigned in Meriden Superior Court today 07/24/07.

ARRESTED#1:     Komisarjevsky, Joshua (DOB: 08-10-1980)

                        840 North Brooksvale Rd.

                        Cheshire, CT.

CHARGES:  One Count - Assault in the First Degree (53a-59)

One Count – Aggravated Sexual Assault in First Degree   (53a-70a)

Four Counts – Kidnapping in the First Degree (53a-92)

One Count – Burglary in the First Degree (53a-101)

One Count – Arson in the First Degree (53a-111)

One Count – Conspiracy to Commit Arson in the First Degree

                    ((53a-  48)/ (53a-111))

Two Counts – Larceny in the First Degree (53a-122)

One Count – Robbery in the First Degree (53a-134)

One Count – Risk of Injury (53-21)

BOND:          $15 Million

__________________________________________________________

ARRESTED #2:      Hayes, Steven (DOB: 05-30-1963)

                          5 H Horn Ave.

                          Winsted, CT.

CHARGES:  

One Count – Aggravated Sexual Assault in First Degree (53a-70a)

Four Counts – Kidnapping in the First Degree (53a-92)

One Count – Burglary in the First Degree (53a-101)

One Count – Arson in the First Degree (53a-111)

One Count – Conspiracy to Commit Arson in the First Degree

                    ((53a-48)(53a-111))

Two Counts – Larceny in the First Degree (53a-122)

One Count – Robbery in the First Degree (53a-134)

One Count – Risk of Injury (53-21)

BOND:           $15 Million

________________________________________________________________

   On Monday, July 23, 2007, members of the Connecticut State Police – Central District Major Crime Squad and the Cheshire Police Department responded to 300 Sorghum Mill Dr. in Cheshire, CT for a reported home invasion. It was ascertained that during the early morning hours of July 23, 2007, two suspects gained access to the residence to carry out a burglary.

   During the course of the burglary, four household members occupied the residence. After gaining access to the residence, the lone male household member was assaulted by one of the suspects. Following the assault, it was reported the two suspects tied up the household members. One of the female household members was driven by one of the suspects to a Cheshire Bank of America branch office to withdraw money. During this time, the other household members remained hostage.

   Upon leaving the residence, the suspects set the residence on fire. Three of the household members were pronounced dead at the scene and the fourth was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital with serious head injuries.

   

   State Police Major Crime Detectives and Cheshire Police are continuing the investigation. It is anticipated that additional criminal charges will be lodged against the accused in this case.

 ####END####

LT. J. Paul Vance