The execution of Michael Ross, who waived all appeals, was put on the fast track. His execution was New England's first in 45 years, and that has opponents of the death penalty afraid that the practice will suddenly catch on and become popular again. But even "supporters of the death penalty do not expect its wide use in the region."

"Executions in more liberal states are not blocked by public opinion," said John C. McAdams, a Marquette University political scientist and a death penalty supporter. "They're blocked by political elites, and the political elites won't necessarily change their opinions just because one person has been executed."

Yet the Ross case has brought home the reality that Connecticut is now a state where prisoners may be put to death.

"My fear is this will leave a psychic imprint on the state of Connecticut in many different ways," said Robert Nave, executive director of the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty. "It's teaching our children that the state can function as executioner, which I think is frightening."

The eight women that Ross admitted to raping and murdering could not be reached for comment.