Shelton Family Establishes Foundation To Honor Jimmy McGrath

SHELTON, CT — It has been over a year since the Shelton and Fairfield Prep community was rocked by the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Shelton resident Jimmy McGrath in May 2022.

While numerous family members, friends and residents have shown their support and love for McGrath since his death, a foundation established in his honor aims to help others much like the Shelton teen always strove to do.

The Jimmy McGrath Foundation was established by McGrath's parents, Kevin and Maggie, and his sister, Rosie, as a way of promoting mental and physical wellness for local youths while "instilling in them a profound appreciation for the value of a human life," according to the organization's website.

Kevin McGrath told News 8 the family knew they needed to do something to honor their son and the many lives he had touched over the years.

The foundation supports charities and other groups who personify McGrath's qualities and ideals, with an emphasis on promoting youth wellness and violence prevention.

"In sum, in his honor and memory, we will help those who we feel Jimmy would have helped," the website reads.

The foundation was also inspired by countless stories the family heard of McGrath's compassion, strength and love of friendship since his death last year.

"As a result," the website reads, "from the stories that we heard, we believe in some sense, Jimmy started the foundation on his own."

The organization's next scheduled event is the Jimmy McGrath Foundation Golf Tournament, which will be held Monday at the Smith Richardson Golf Club in Fairfield. The event will also feature a happy hour and dinner, as well as an afterparty.

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.

See also: Parents Accused Of Hosting Underage Party At Shelton Home: Police

• 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

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

Valle, who was 16 at the time of his arrest, has appeared in court a number of times over the past year. His next court appearance is scheduled for August.

More information about the foundation can be found at jimmymcgrathfoundation.org.