Jurors today dragged through a second day without reaching a decision in death penalty deliberations for home invasion murder monster Steven Hayes.

The conflicted panelists asked for just one read-back — of testimony from a defense-paid psychiatrist who contended Hayes went into an “extreme emotional state” when he strangled Jennifer Hawke-Petit on July 23, 2007. Daughters Michaela, 11, and Hayley, 17, also died that day, of smoke inhalation.

Dr. William Petit Jr. survived and has been a constant presence during the trial that led to Hayes’ conviction Oct. 5, and the death penalty phase. Jurors return tomorrow.

Outside the courthouse this afternoon, Cynthia Hawke-Renn, the victim’s sister, told reporters she’d come up to New Haven with her parents from Maryland for the death penalty phase.

They have to leave tomorrow, she said.

“This is the first time I’ve cried in awhile,” she said. “It’s hard to go home with things being unresolved. I wish I could have seen a conclusion.”

She noted that she has met with Matthew Hayes, the convicted murderer’s brother, and though she didn’t reveal what they talked about, she hinted that at least Matthew has a conscience.

“I don’t think he’s a bad person,” she said of Matthew Hayes.

“I honestely can’t imagine if the death penalty is not sought in this, then when will it ever be used?” Hawke-Renn asked. “That has to be the jury’s choice.”