Teen Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17, ID'd: Attorney

SHELTON, CT — A Milford teenager accused of fatally stabbing Jimmy McGrath, a 17-year-old Shelton resident and student at Fairfield Prep, has been identified by his attorney.

Outside a Derby courthouse Thursday morning, attorney Jake Donovan identified his client as Raul Valle, a 16-year-old Milford resident.

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

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Donovan said the case was transferred to Milford Superior Court, and a court date was scheduled for early June.

"Obviously this is an unspeakable tragedy for everyone involved," Donovan told reporters before noting he did not wish to comment further until he had a chance to examine all the evidence in the case.

Both the Shelton and Fairfield communities were rocked this week after McGrath was fatally stabbed in the Laurel Glen Drive area of Shelton late Saturday night. Three other teens were injured in the stabbing, police previously said.

Prior to his identification being released, police announced Wednesday a 16-year-old from Milford was arrested in connection to McGrath's death. He was arraigned in Juvenile Court in New Haven on Wednesday, and the case was transferred to Derby Superior Court on Thursday.

Related:

• 'This Is A Day To Celebrate Jimmy's Life,' Slain Teen's Dad Says
• St. Joseph Student Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17
• Teen, 16, Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 17: Shelton PD
• Fairfield Prep Junior Killed In Stabbing, 3 Others Hurt: Shelton PD

WTNH-TV reported the accused is a student at Trumbull-based St. Joseph's High School. A Facebook post made by the school Wednesday night seemingly confirms this.

"Today, the Shelton Police Department arrested a St. Joseph High School student in relation to a fatality at a private Shelton residence on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Our entire School Community is horrified and deeply saddened by the tragic death of James 'Jimmy' McGrath," the post reads.

The post also noted the St. Joseph community was still shocked by the heartbreaking situation.

"Internal and external counseling and social work professionals are on campus to support our students as they grieve and attempt to process the wide-reaching impact of this incident," the post reads. "The St. Joseph High School community continues to offer solemn prayers for the McGrath family and Fairfield Prep community as they mourn the unthinkable loss of a son and cherished classmate."

A moving tribute to McGrath was held just before the start of a lacrosse game at Shelton High School against Fairfield Prep, where McGrath was a junior. McGrath's parents, Kevin and Margaret, and his sister, Rosie, were in attendance.

As he spoke with his family by his side, Kevin McGrath urged both teams to celebrate his son's life by having a great game.

"I love every single one of you," Kevin McGrath said. "You have made a difficult situation better."

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the McGrath family at this time. As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign has raised over $120,000 and received over 1,000 donations.

The page was set up by friends and family of the McGrath's. Those who wish to donate to the page can do so here.

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.