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

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 nearly two years ago, has filed a lawsuit seeking $15 million from the couple accused of hosting that party at their Laurel Glen Drive home in 2022.

An application filed earlier this month on behalf of McGrath's estate indicates his father, Kevin McGrath, seeks a prejudgement remedy against Ronald and Stacie Rich, whose address is listed as Laurel Glen Drive.

Additionally, the application requests the Riches' assets, including their personal property, real estate and bank accounts, be attached to the lawsuit.

The couple would also be restrained from "disposing, transferring or encumbering" any of their assets while the case is pending.

The Riches have not been charged with any crimes connected to the party as of April.

"There is probable cause that a judgment in the amount of the prejudgment remedy sought, or an amount greater than the amount of the prejudgment sought, taking into account any known defenses, counterclaims or setoffs, will be rendered in favor of the applicant," the application reads, "and to secure the judgment, the applicant seeks an order from this court directing that the following prejudgment remedy be issued to secure the sum of [$15 million] dollars."

A remote status conference on the application is scheduled to take place in late May. Patch has reached out to the McGraths' attorney, Michael J. Rosnick, for further comment.

According to an arrest warrant application, McGrath, a Shelton resident, was killed outside a house party with over 50 teens in attendance on Laurel Glen Drive late on May 14, 2022.

According to the Connecticut Post, two teens involved in the fight that broke out at the couple's house and ended in McGrath's death have also filed lawsuits against the Riches accusing them of hosting the underage drinking party and blaming the couple's negligence for the teens' injuries.

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.

Paul and Susanna Leifer were previously arrested in March 2023 on charges of permitting minors to possess alcohol, while Susanna Leifer was also charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, according to police.

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.

See also: Shelton Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party Put On Probation: Report

• Families Sue Shelton Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party: Report
  
• Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party At Shelton Home: Police
• Shelton Family Establishes Foundation To Honor Jimmy McGrath
• Case Of Teen Charged In Fatal Stabbing Continued To November: Report
• Teen Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Jimmy McGrath, 17, Appears In Court
• Parents Of Jimmy McGrath Urge Public To 'Let Justice System Take Over'
• Warrant Details Police Investigation Of Jimmy McGrath's Stabbing Death
• 'This Is A Day To Celebrate Jimmy's Life,' Slain Teen's Dad Says
• St. Joseph Student Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17

The Connecticut Post reports Kevin McGrath and the teens who have filed lawsuits against the Riches have also filed lawsuits against the Leifers.

Raul Eliah Valle, a Milford teen who was 16 at the time of his arrest and is accused of fatally stabbing McGrath, was arrested days after the incident and later released after posting a $2 million bond.

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