Family Of James McGrath Files Lawsuit Against Milford Teen, Parents

SHELTON, CT — The family of James McGrath, a 17-year-old Fairfield College Preparatory School student who was fatally stabbed outside a house party in Shelton just over two years ago, filed a wrongful death lawsuit this week against a Milford teen charged with murder, as well as suits against his parents, other teens and their parents.

The 39-page lawsuit filed Monday by McGrath's father, Kevin, acting as administrator of his son's estate, accuses Raul Eliah Valle, 18, of stabbing McGrath outside a house party on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton on May 14, 2022, causing his death.

According to the lawsuit, Valle's "deadly assault" that night was "willful, wanton and malicious," and McGrath "suffered extreme pain and suffering, as well as mental anguish from multiple injuries, including blunt trauma and internal injuries," prior to his death.

Valle was arrested days after the incident and later released after posting a $2 million bond. He was 16 at the time of his arrest.

Valle has been charged with murder and three counts of first-degree assault, according to police.

The suit also claims McGrath's ability to "continue his education, to engage in an occupation, to earn wages and to carry out and enjoy all of life's activities" have been permanently destroyed as a result of Valle's actions that night.

Further, the suit notes Kevin McGrath has been "forced to incur financial obligations for medical care given to his son and for the burial of his son, all to his loss and special damage."

The suit, filed by the McGraths' attorney, Michael J. Rosnick, of the Bridgeport law offices of Miller, Rosnick, D'Amico, August & Butler, seeks unspecified damages and other fees.

Valle's parents are also named in the suit, accusing them of negligence and parental liability. The suit also names five other teens, accusing them of negligence, as well as their parents for parental liability.

A total of 17 defendants are named in the suit filed Monday.

See also: Family Of James McGrath Seeks $15M From Shelton Couple In Lawsuit

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Last month, McGrath's family filed a lawsuit seeking $15 million from the couple accused of hosting the Laurel Glen Drive party.

Two Shelton parents accused of hosting a separate party the night of the stabbing, during which alcohol was present around minors and a fight broke out prior to the deadly fight on Laurel Glen Drive, were granted probation earlier this year.

Their arrests stemmed from a party held May 14, 2022, at the couple's Lazy Brook Drive home, during which a fight broke out. After the event was dispersed, some of the attendees who left the couple's home got into a fight at the Laurel Glen Drive party, during which McGrath was stabbed to death, according to police.