Forensic specialist testifies DNA tests links victims, suspects in Connecticut home invasion

Witness: DNA links home invasion suspects, victims

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A state forensic scientist says DNA evidence links victims of a fatal 2007 Connecticut home invasion with two men charged in the attack.

John Schienman testified Friday in the murder trial of Steven Hayes, one of two men charged with capital felony murder, sexual assault and other crimes in the deaths of Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her daughters, 17-year-old Hayley and 11-year-old Michaela.

Joshua Komisarjevsky (koh-mih-sar-JEV’-skee) awaits trial.

Hayes is accused of sexually assaulting Hawke-Petit, who was strangled. Schienman said Hayes’ DNA was found on her body. He testified Komisarjevsky’s DNA was found on Michaela, whom Komisarjevsky is charged with sexually assaulting.

Dr. William Petit was beaten with a baseball bat but survived the attacks on his family. Schienman said a bat and Komisarjevsky’s sweatshirt bore Petit’s blood.

The girls died in a fire allegedly set by the attackers.