Shelton, CT – Raul Valle, acquitted of murder adn assault charges in the 2022 stabbing death of James McGrath and injuries to three others, will face a new trial on lesser charges wiht newly retained legal counsel. The Milford Judicial District Clerk’s Office issued a summons to Valle on Sept. 23, requiring his appearance in court on Oct. 15, 2025.
Valle, 16 at the time of the incident and a student at St. Joseph High School, was involved in a fight at a house party on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton on May 14, 2022, resulting in the death of Fairfield Prep student James McGrath and injuries to Ryan Heinz, Thomas Connery Jr., and Faison Teele. He previously testified he acted in self-defense, stating he was “terrified,” “scared and surrounded.”
A jury trial concluded July 9 with Valle found not guilty of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of second-degree assault. Though, the jury was unable to reach verdicts on charges of reckless first-degree manslaughter in McGrath’s death, reckless first-degree assault in the stabbings of Heinz and Connery, and second-degree reckless assault in Teele’s stabbing, leading to a mistrial on those counts. The jury foreman revealed in a post-verdict interview that self-defense was not a central topic of deliberation, and jurors were reportedly voting 11-1 in favor of conviction on the manslaughter and assault charges when deliberations ended.
Valle was initially represented by attorney Richard Smith, who discussed the case at meetings not involving Valle. Following the conclusion of Smith’s portrayal,Valle was left without counsel,prompting the court to directly summon him. the court’s letter states, “Like any individual with an assigned court date, you may represent yourself, or have a private attorney present to act on your behalf.” it also warns of a potential arrest warrant for failure to appear. A man at the address listed on the court summons declined to comment when approached Friday afternoon.There were no bond conditions associated with the amended charges.