St. Joseph Student Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17

SHELTON, CT — The 16-year-old Milford teen, who is accused of killing Shelton resident and Fairfield Prep student James McGrath Saturday night, will be tried as an adult, reported WFSB-TV.

Shelton police arrested the teen suspect on a warrant Wednesday morning, and he was arraigned in Juvenile Court in New Haven the same day. From there, the case was expected to be transferred to adult court in Derby.

The suspect's identity has not been released due to his age, but he was being held in lieu of bail of $2 million, charged with murder and three counts of first-degree assault. The Connecticut Post reported that the suspect is expected to appear in Derby Superior Court on Thursday, and then the case may be transferred again to Milford Superior Court.

WTNH-TV reported that the suspect is a student at Trumbull-based St. Joseph's High School.

On its Facebook page, St. Joseph's issued a statement offering prayers for the McGrath family and Fairfield Prep community:

"St. Joseph High School holds the Fairfield Prep School Community close to our hearts and in our prayers," officials wrote. "There are no words to properly describe such sadness in the wake of this devastating and profound loss of young life filled with such great promise. We call upon our community to offer prayers for the Fairfield Prep Community and the McGrath family as they grieve the death of a student and cherished classmate."

Related:

• Teen, 16, Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17: Shelton PD
• Fairfield Prep Junior Killed In Stabbing, 3 Others Hurt: Shelton PD

McGrath, 17, was stabbed during a fight at a party Saturday night on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton; he died from his injuries on Sunday, according to authorities.

Three other teens suffered injuries when they were stabbed during the altercation, authorities said.

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The case remains under investigation by Shelton police, who urge anyone with any information to contact the department's Detective Bureau at 203-924-1544.

A tribute to McGrath, a member of the Prep lacrosse team, is scheduled for Wednesday night at Shelton High School.

"Please join Shelton High School and the Fairfield Prep community in honoring the life of Jimmy McGrath and his family," wrote Shelton High School Principal Kathy Riddle on Twitter.

Read the WFSB-TV story; read the Connecticut Post story; read the WTNH-TV story.