Conn. governor signs bill to repeal death penalty

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut’s governor has signed a new law that abolishes the state’s death penalty for future crimes.

A spokeswoman says Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill Wednesday afternoon at a private ceremony with lawmakers, clergy and family members of victims.

Malloy issued a statement calling 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 law replaced the death penalty with a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of release. It does not affect the sentences of the 11 inmates already on Connecticut’s death row.

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