A Connecticut state judge ruled today that serial killer Michael Ross has the mental capacity to waive his appeals and consent to being executed.

Judge Patrick Clifford's decision indicated, 'Michael Ross, a competent individual, has the right to make this voluntary decision concerning whether to pursue any further appeals regardless of what others may feel about his decision.'

The ruling sets the stage for the first execution in a New England state in 45 years. Ross is scheduled to be executed on May 11 by lethal injection.

Chief State's Attorney Christopher Morano indicated that the state 'will proceed in accordance with today's decision to carry out the sentence.'

Ross admitted to raping and killing eight young women in Connecticut and New York in the early 1980s.

The last execution in New England took place in 1960 in Connecticut when Joseph 'Mad Dog' Taborsky was sent to the electric chair.

It is likely that people will make appeals to prevent the May 11 execution from going forward. However, if nothing changes, Michael Ross has less than three weeks to live.