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September 27, 2010

Petit Foundation's Ride for Justice benefits worthy causes

Posted: 10:20 AM ET

Cheshire, Connecticut – Led by a procession of state and local policemen, more than 2000 motorcycle riders poured into the back roads of Connecticut to support the inaugural Petit Family Foundation’s Ride for Justice on Sunday.

The foundation was created to carry on the legacies of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Petit, and Michaela Petit, who were killed in a tragic home invasion in 2007.

Dr. William Petit, the only survivor of the home invasion, thanked the participants for their support as he remembered his wife and daughters. 

“The foundation’s mission statement is to remember Jennifer, Hayley and Michaela with idealism, activism and kindness that they stood for. You know, two women and one little girl without a… without a bad thought in their bodies. So… what you’re doing is the kind of thing they would have been doing on Saturday or a Sunday," said Dr. Petit.

According to event organizers, proceeds from the motorcycle ride, estimated at $65,000, will benefit a variety of causes, including programs for victims of violence, and chronic diseases, as well as educational programs, especially for young women in the sciences.

Before and after the 38-mile ride from Bristol, CT to Cheshire, CT, Petit and other family members personally greeted participants.

Marybelle Hawke, Jennifer Hawke-Petit’s mother was overwhelmed by the number of people who took part in the event. 

 “Jennifer would be shouting praises from heaven to see this kind of response that’s happened. And the girls would not believe, you know, they would just be totally amazed, " said Hawke.

Hawke-Petit would have turned 52 on Sunday.

Dr. Petit addressed the bikers a second time later in the day.  He choked back tears as he told a story about Michaela’s ability to stand up for little kids and to include others.  He was cheered on by the crowd of well-wishers.

All of the people that In Session spoke with at the event said they supported the death penalty in this case.  One mother said, “I used to be really liberal and not believe one way or the other but after hearing more about the facts I don’t think they should be given life in prison. I think they should be sentenced to death, because they caused death.”

-Nancy Leung, In Session Field Producer

Filed under: Case Updates


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Pat Foster   September 27th, 2010 10:27 am ET

Liberals must do a reality check on this case. It's liberal ways that released these fiends from prison and let them torture this family. No more 3 strikes 1 strike and your dismembered in public make it bloody and painful that will deter.


Kelly Rainville   September 27th, 2010 10:35 am ET

As for the older one involved I do think he deserves the death penalty but the young kid I do not agree even though he did commit a horrific crime the propper facts were not passed on to the parole board and he should be placed in a mental health correctional facility where he can get the proper treatment he requires for the rest of his natural life. I am from central New York and I fight for the rights of people imprisoned with psychiatric disabilities and it is only right to give him the proper treament no matter what crime he committed, he deserves to be treated like a human not an animal he is sick with a mental illness you said that yourself on nationl television so you can not deny this


Tim   September 27th, 2010 11:18 am ET

I feel that Steven Hayes should get the death penalty. In this case, he killed 3 people and even raped a young child. These are offenses that have to be punished by death. Steven Hayes is a sub-human animal that doesn't deserve to walk this Earth.


Plain Clothes Hero   September 27th, 2010 11:44 am ET

What a moving demonstration of support by the community. GOD bless everyone who participated and rode for the memory of these beautiful women. RIP girls....thoughts and prayers to Dr. Petit.


Stephanie   September 27th, 2010 12:19 pm ET

It is rare to have such an open and shut case. However, this is one of those occasions. These men are sick. I can not believe some of the things they did in that home. I know we pride ourselves on our fair justice system, but to me, they have already lived too long as it is. They have only caused hurt in their lives, and if we don't end their lives, someone will. Prison is not a fun place, I hope they find out just how NOT fun it is. I pray for th entire Petit family, that God keeps them strong through the rest of this trial. It is heartwrenching to hear and I didn't even know them.


kerri   September 27th, 2010 12:44 pm ET

I can't read anything about this family without bursting into tears. I hope with all my heart that Dr. Petit finds peace. This is without a doubt the most senseless horrific event I have ever read about. RIP ladies. xo


Plain Clothes Hero   September 27th, 2010 1:42 pm ET

Kelly, i completely disagree with you. I am also from NY and i don't believe either should be spared. Despite his age, he knew exactly what he was doing and he actively participated. He was not forced to do anything, he did everything on his own accord. He deserves to be put to death....both of them do.


meloman   September 27th, 2010 2:42 pm ET

TIM.....would u feel that way way if if was your daughters,or wife.....i agree that there are people who can get rehabilated,and second chances should be given to decent human beings....but these are monsters,not people, they didnt spill milk they went inside a home raped an 11 yr old child,killed her and her sister and mom burned there house down almost killing there father think about that execute them and any other monsters that hurt children, my heart goes out to the dad, and all there friends and families if it was my family that was slaughtered i would settle it out of court and i would enjoy every second of it


dano   September 27th, 2010 4:04 pm ET

I would like to know what kind of a childhood these 2 had. It's not an excuse but maybe we could better understand these kind of humans that absolutely have no feeling in their hearts. I think of the nightmares that Dr. Pettit mush have to live with the rest of his life. The horror those 3 ladies must have endured , I just cannot imagine. God bless that family.

I really hope and pray they are executed.


david   September 27th, 2010 4:09 pm ET

both of them should be put to death for what they did you take a life the way they did you should be put to death


General A.D.   September 27th, 2010 4:53 pm ET

First off my prayers go out to the Petit family.The guilty parties in this case Steven Hayes and Josh Komisarjevsky are prior convicted criminals with a long crminal history and numerous felony convitions and shouldn't have been allowed back into society.The justice system putting them back in prision is not going to be a problem for them,so yes the death penalty should be given to both of them.I am a retired law enforcement officer and when they do get convicted they have other problems waiting for them in prsion.Inmates hate rapists,and people that kill children.My opinion they won't be around for execution.


Brian & Janis   September 27th, 2010 5:14 pm ET

I was there, rode 4 JUSTICE & as a biker 4 more than 25 years, this was the best! I stopped to shake hands with a man who I can' t even think I could understand what he is going through. He is strong as a stone. But, what can you say to a man in his shoes? 3000 of us strong, and everyone there alert to his plight, with respect we joined to morn his loss. On this day his wife's 52nd birthday how sad. We honor life, for his wife and daughters. A day I will never forget, the rest of my life.


Tara Sayre   September 27th, 2010 5:50 pm ET

The younger of the two was the one who raped an 11 year old girl. I am not a big believe of the death penalty, but I pray everyday that they both suffer the way their victims did.


GLORIA   September 27th, 2010 6:04 pm ET

This is the most horrific crime I have ever heard of. I hope they are put to death. What a terrible tragedy. The hell with putting the younger guy in a mental health facility. The young guy will find out what it is to be raped in prison because he is a pretty boy. I hope the prisoners that commit bad things in prison get the both of them and make them suffer. Prisoners don't like other prrisoners who have done things to children. I am glad the community is so strong in supporting Dr. Petit.


Kimberly   September 27th, 2010 6:23 pm ET

Be brave Dr. Petit. You will be with your Jennifer, Hayley, and Michaela again in heaven. John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
You will be with them again, Dr. Petit. God bless you and keep you in His care until then. You are in my thoughts and my prayers.


Roy M Savary   September 27th, 2010 9:04 pm ET

I would love for this execution to be carried out before I'm twenty years older, but its the process. Actually the pendulum has gone too far the wrong way. It needs to swing back the RIGHT way, and both these guys should swing with it. The lessons we learn are always relived, for reasons I will never understand.


Pat   September 27th, 2010 9:47 pm ET

I agree they should be put to death. I have a hard time with the death penalty, part of me says those convicted should spend the rest of their lives behind bars. However, there are certain cases which I feel the death penalty is the only just decision. This is one of them. Raping, setting them on fire! These aren't men. They are animals that have gone rabid! They need to be euthanized. Don't waste any more time on them.


kia   September 27th, 2010 11:08 pm ET

Im from mich i think they both should get want they deserve death no one should have suffer like the family did...r.i.p.ladies god bless you dr.petit


Christian Mom   September 28th, 2010 1:03 am ET

As a Christian, I hate that I feel this way, and recognize my shortcomings, but as a human, I am so utterly appalled by the crimes committed, that I wish it were possible for these men to die in the same manner they killed...completely tortured. Lethal injection....even firing squad is more humane and kind than they deserve.....the evil in their beings is almost unfathomable. So however, is the grace of Christ....and this reminds me of how imperfect people are, and how desperately in need of healing this world is. I know I could not forgive these guys....maybe Jesus can.

I think the ride for justice is an incredible event....and pray that it helps bring healing to one of the most horrific tragedies I've ever read befalling a family.


paricia p. lumaava   September 28th, 2010 3:12 am ET

After reading n listening about this case, I feel that that both of these men should be put to death! They're horrible human beings! I hope the Petit family find some kind of peace after this tragic n horrible event! Rest In Peace, the girls n mother!!


Robera B   September 28th, 2010 8:05 am ET

Such a senseless crime and murder of a good family. Prayers go out 2 Dr.Petit and family. May the his wife and daughters rest n peace. Stay strong,doc.


Karen Dunn   September 28th, 2010 8:32 am ET

Let God decide their true punishment and let the jury arrange that meeting for these dysfuctional beasts. Now they can burn like they made these innocent woman and her children. They burned these girls while they were alive after they abused them. If that isn't a death penalty case then nothing is.


Plain Clothes Hero   September 28th, 2010 2:02 pm ET

If only i could be on that jury...i would make sure both of those men never saw the light of day again. GOD Bless Dr. Petit.


ASISEEIT   September 29th, 2010 10:34 am ET

I've just listened to Elizabeth Benedict make her case against the death penalty. She talked for 5 minutes straight and didn't say anything! I believe this is typical of the bleeding heart crowd. The two evil scum that murdered these three women and surely wanted the father dead are the poster boys for the death penalty. As a matter of fact I'll donate my services and remove these two scumbags brains and most of their heads by means of high velocity free of charge! I'll then go and enjoy a steak dinner!


Dee Starkey   September 29th, 2010 10:39 am ET

My heart goesv out to Mr.Petit.I hope those creeps gets the death penty.They do not deserve to live.I will pray for you and your lost love ones everyday


Martha   September 29th, 2010 12:35 pm ET

Those who are opposed to the death penalty should also consider the mental torture these three must have gone through during the night when these animals were drinking their beer and waiting for the bank to open. They must have been terrified, and when the Jennifer had to leave her children alone with one of them, as a Mother I can't imagine anything more terrifying.


Kelly M   September 29th, 2010 2:02 pm ET

I woke up Sunday morning knowing that my boyfriend and I were going on a charity motorcycle ride. Upon arriving at Yankee Harley Davidson, I could not BELIEVE the number of people there to show their support for Dr. Petit and his family. There was a line of at least 200 people leading up to Dr. Petit himself – People waiting to talk to this man and send their condolences. It's events like this that show just how caring and genuine the biking community is. No one cared what type of bike you were on, whether it was a Harley, Yamaha, Suzuki, or a street bike – All that mattered was that we were keeping the legacy of the Petit women alive!


Robin Varrato   October 3rd, 2010 1:22 pm ET

The chairty ride for Dr. Petit foundation was amazing. The bikes that came out for this event was more than you can imagine. We were all here for one reason and the was for Justice. What happened to him and his family it will never be forgotten. When Dr. Petit talked at the event about his family it brought tears to my eyes and i am sure many other's. I feel that they should get the death penalty for sure.


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