Connecticut governor signs bill to repeal death penalty

HARTFORD, Conn. – Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has signed legislation into law that abolishes Connecticut's death penalty for future crimes.

The Democrat signed the bill on Wednesday afternoon, behind closed doors, with no ceremony or fanfare.

Malloy called it "an historic moment" as Connecticut joins 16 other states that have abolished capital punishment. He said it was a moment "for sober reflection, not celebration."

The bill was signed the same day that a new Quinnipiac University Poll showed that a majority registered voters in Connecticut, 62 percent, favor the death penalty for those people convicted of murder. The same survey found 47 percent of voters disapprove of Malloy's handling of the issue, while 33 percent approve.

A former prosecutor, Malloy said his position on the death penalty has evolved over the years.