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

SHELTON, CT — Two Shelton parents accused of hosting a party where alcohol was present around minors and a fight broke out prior to the fatal stabbing of James McGrath, 17, at a separate home were granted probation Tuesday, The Milford Mirror reports.

According to the Milford Mirror, a judge ruled Paul and Susanna Leifer cannot be arrested or host any parties where there might be underage drinking over the next couple of years. They both must also complete 50 hours community service each and make $250 worth of charitable contributions.

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

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 party got into a fight at another residence in town, during which McGrath was stabbed to death, according to police.

The families of two teens involved in reported fights that night filed lawsuits against the Shelton couple in the fall, according to media reports.

See also: Families Sue Shelton Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party: Report

• Teen Charged In Death Of James McGrath Turns Down Plea Deal: 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

WTNH News 8 reports McGrath's father, Kevin, filed a lawsuit against the Leifers in June claiming the couple was aware juveniles had been drinking at their home and a fight had broke out among teens at the party but did not report it to the police or keep the teens from leaving their home.

According to an arrest warrant application, McGrath, a Shelton resident and student at Fairfield College Preparatory School, was stabbed outside a house party with over 50 teens in attendance on Laurel Glen Drive late on May 14, 2022.

Valle, who was 16 at the time of his arrest and a student at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, is accused of fatally stabbing McGrath. He 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.

In late November, Valle rejected a plea deal that would have called for him to serve 40 years in prison and did not make a counter-offer. At that time, his lawyer told the media his client is innocent and wanted a trial.

Read the full Milford Mirror story here.