HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – A federal inmate who says he had several conversations with Michael Ross remains convinced that serial killer Michael Ross doesn’t want to die.

Ross has been trying to end his appeals and accept death, but public defenders and anti-death penalty groups have said he’s incompetent to make that decision.

U.S. District Judge Robert Chatigny cited a letter from the inmate, Ramon Lopez, when he tried to stop Ross’ execution last month. Lopez told Chatigny that he spoke with Ross through air vents at Northern Correctional Institution in Somers and that Ross said he did not want to die.

Lopez reiterated his assertion in a telephone interview with WTNH-TV that aired Monday. He said he occasionally consulted with Ross on legal issues. During one consultation, Ross said he had gone to the trouble of building a law library because he did not want to die, Lopez said.

A state judge has ordered a new competency hearing for Ross and appointed a special counsel to investigate all claims that Ross is incompetent. Given his letter to Chatigny, Lopez likely will be interviewed in that case.