Teen Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Jimmy McGrath, 17, Appears In Court

SHELTON, CT — Raul Eliah Valle, a Milford teen accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Fairfield College Preparatory School student Jimmy McGrath during a Shelton house party in May, appeared before a judge Friday in Milford Superior Court.

McGrath's parents, Kevin and Margaret, and a large crowd of supporters, many of whom were teens, filled up an entire side of the courtroom. The McGrath family's attorney, Michael Rosnick, was also present.

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 was released from custody May 23 after his father posted his bond and is currently under home confinement and monitored via GPS.

His attorney, Kevin Smith, requested Valle be allowed some time outside while at home. The judge permitted Valle to go outside without leaving the property, but he must be back inside by 6 p.m.

Valle is also not allowed any access to the Internet or a cellphone. If he needs to contact his parents, he must use the home's landline, the judge emphasized.

Smith noted, for the record, there has been no indication Valle has been misusing any Internet-related devices. Valle is due to appear in court again in September.

Outside the courthouse, Kevin McGrath thanked the crowd of family and friends who showed up to support him, his wife and his daughter during the brief hearing.

"Our family appreciates the respect that you've showed us and the support," McGrath said.

While he acknowledged it was "an extremely difficult situation," McGrath said he and his family respect the court and have faith in the judicial process.

"I would say this is the third step of a really long journey," McGrath said.

Related:

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• Warrant Details Police Investigation Of Jimmy McGrath's Stabbing Death
• Teen Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Jimmy McGrath, 17, Posts $2M Bond
• 'This Is A Day To Celebrate Jimmy's Life,' Slain Teen's Dad Says
• St. Joseph Student Accused Of Fatally Stabbing James McGrath, 1

Fighting back tears, he also thanked the community for all their support and kindness over the past couple of months.

"The outpouring from our community is just amazing," McGrath said. "It's a reality starting to set in, but they're working overtime to try to make us as comfortable as possible to get through this."