Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party At Shelton Home: Police

SHELTON, CT — Two Shelton parents accused of hosting a party at their home, during which alcohol was present around minors and a fight broke out the night James McGrath, 17, was stabbed to death at a separate residence in town, were arrested Thursday, according to police.

In a news release, Police Det. Richard Bango said Paul Leifer, 59, and Susanna Leifer, 51, both of Shelton, were charged with permitting minors to possess alcohol. Susanna Leifer was also charged with second-degree reckless endangerment.

They were released on a promise to appear in court later this month, Bango said.

The arrest stems from a party held May 14 at the couple's Lazy Brook Drive home. According to Bango, several high school students attended the party, during which alcohol was present.

An investigation also revealed Susanna Leifer "had interactions with some of the attendees," Bango said.

A fight broke out during the party and the event was dispersed, however some of the attendees who left the party got into a fight at another residence in town, during which McGrath was stabbed to death, Bango said.

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.

See also: 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, 1

Raul Eliah Valle, a Milford teen accused of fatally stabbing McGrath, was arrested days after the incident and later released after posting a $2 million bond.

Valle, who was 16 at the time of his arrest, has been charged with murder and three counts of first-degree assault, according to police. He is next scheduled to appear in court in April.