Connecticut medical examiner testifies 17-year-old girl died trying to flee home invasion fire

Med examiner: girl died fleeing home invasion fire

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Connecticut’s medical examiner says one of two young sisters killed in a 2007 home invasion was exposed to fire as she tried to flee despite being tied up.

Wayne Carver testified Thursday in the trial of Steven Hayes, one of two men charged with 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. Prosecutors say their Cheshire home was burned in an attempt to conceal evidence.

Carver said Hayley was found lying face down in a hallway but the front of her clothing was more severely burned than the back. Carver said Hayley had been tied up but somehow made it to the hallway where she was exposed to the flames.

Carver testified Wednesday that Michaela died from breathing smoke, and likely had a painful, panic-stricken death.