Rowland was a strong proponent of a tough stance against violent crime as governor . The prison population grew rapidly during his term , which caused the state to send inmates to prisons in Virginia to deal with overcrowding . Legislative opponents of this policy such as Representative Michael Lawlor urged more rapid release of nonviolent offenders . After Rowland left office the Virginia inmates were returned to Connecticut and more criminals were paroled . This approach was criticized after the 2007 Cheshire home invasion murders committed by two " nonviolent " inmates paroled from Connecticut prison
2007 Cheshire home invasion murders
Cheshire, Connecticut, home invasion murders
John G. Rowland