The last person to be executed in Connecticut was Michael Bruce Ross.
Michael Bruce Ross, a convicted serial killer, was executed on May 13, 2005. His execution marked a significant point in Connecticut's capital punishment history, being both the first and the last execution carried out in the state—and indeed in all of New England—since 1960.
Details of the Execution
Ross's execution was notable for several reasons:
- Method: It was the only execution in Connecticut, and in New England, administered by lethal injection. Previously, executions in the state were carried out by electric chair.
- Timeline: His execution ended a 45-year hiatus of capital punishment in Connecticut, which had not carried out an execution since 1960.
- Legal Battles: Ross's case involved extensive legal appeals and debates surrounding his competency and the death penalty itself, drawing national attention.
Key Facts About Michael Bruce Ross's Execution
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Michael Bruce Ross |
| Date | May 13, 2005 |
| Method | Lethal Injection |
| Significance | Last execution in Connecticut and New England since 1960; only execution by lethal injection in Connecticut; ended a 45-year period without executions in the state. |
| Location | Northern Correctional Institution, Somers, Connecticut |
The execution of Michael Bruce Ross remains a pivotal moment in the history of capital punishment within Connecticut, signaling the end of executions in the state prior to its official abolition of the death penalty.
