MERIDEN, Conn. (AP) — Two men with long rap sheets were on parole when they broke into a doctor's home, kidnapped his wife and set fire to the house, leaving the woman and two daughters dead, authorities said Tuesday.
Joshua Komisarjevky, 26, of Cheshire, and Steven Hayes, 44, of Winsted, were arraigned Tuesday on charges of assault, sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, arson, larceny and risk of injury to children.
They did not enter pleas, and their public defenders declined to comment.
Bail was set at $15 million each, and state police have said that additional charges are likely after autopsies on Jennifer Hawke-Petit, 48, Hayley Petit, 17, and Michaela Petit, 11. Judge Christina G. Dunnell said the men's criminal histories warranted the high bail.
Dr. William Petit Jr., 50, remained hospitalized with head injuries.
The two men entered the Cheshire home at about 3 a.m. Monday, planning to burglarize it, state police said. When they found the family home, the men beat Dr. Petit, then tied up his wife and daughters, police said.