NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A Connecticut man sentenced to death today in the killings of a woman and her two daughters said his execution will be “a welcome relief,” while the only survivor of the gruesome home invasion told a judge he had struggled with suicidal thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks.

Steven Hayes made his first public comments about the case before being formally sentenced by New Haven Superior Court Judge Jon Blue. A jury last month determined Hayes should die. He was convicted of killing Jennifer Hawke-Petit and her two daughters. Hawke-Petit lived for a time in Slippery Rock. Her parents still have a house there.

“I am deeply sorry for what I have done and the pain I have caused,” Hayes told Blue. “My actions have hurt so many people, affected so many lives and caused so much pain. I am tormented and have nightmares about what happened in that house.”

Hayes, who did not testify during his trial, said he wanted money for drugs but makes no excuses for what he did.

“But this was not the real me, this was an angry monster I have never known, a monster so full of rage it was impossible to control,” Hayes said.

Hayes said he wished he had been successful in his suicide attempts before the crime.

“Death for me will be a welcome relief, and I hope it will bring some peace and comfort to those who I have hurt so much,” Hayes said.