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Fox News
09-07-2025
- Fox News
Prep school lacrosse player's accused killer could walk after making legal maneuver: expert
A legal maneuver from the defendant charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a Connecticut preparatory school lacrosse in May 2022, stemming from a booze-fueled teenage brawl, may win him an acquittal, according to a criminal defense attorney. Raul Valle, now 20, is waiting to learn his fate after standing trial for one count of first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault after he allegedly stabbed James "Jimmy" McGrath, a 17-year-old Fairfield College Preparatory School athlete, to death at a house party. The jury was deadlocked at 11-1 through Monday and Tuesday, and deliberations are expected to continue Wednesday morning, as NBC Connecticut reported. "I think those stories are very compelling for jurors. I think jurors really try to get it right," Donna Rotunno, criminal defense attorney and Fox News contributor, told Fox News Digital. "Obviously, there are some cases where maybe that analysis doesn't fit or somebody makes the claim of self-defense [and] it doesn't make sense under the law. But … given the way this jury has been out now for a couple of days, and they're clearly deadlocked … [defense attorneys] have made a compelling argument to at least one or some." She added that any time a defendant asserts self-defense, "the burden shifts to you to show that … you were in reasonable fear." Valle took the witness stand in his own defense last week, which Rotunno said is "almost necessary" in cases like his. Valle attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull near Fairfield Prep, where McGrath was a junior. Both had been at a house party on the evening of May 14, 2022, that involved a fight and underage drinking prior to the stabbing, which occurred at another house party later that night. Police responded to several 911 calls reporting a fight that occurred just before midnight on May 14, 2022, outside a residence on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton and found multiple victims on the front lawn. The owner of the residence where the party took place was home at the time of the incident, according to a warrant. At one point, there were about 25 people engaged in the fight on the front lawn of the home, witnesses told police. At least three juvenile suspects are mentioned in the report, including Valle, who is suspected of having a knife. McGrath had "one stab wound to the left side of the chest," the warrant states. "The stab wound went through the rib and heart." A doctor from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut told police that there were approximately 1.8 liters of blood in McGrath's lungs. During his emotional testimony, Valle said he never intended to kill anyone that evening. He said a friend handed him the knife during a large fight involving dozens of teenagers who surrounded him. He alleged that at one point during the fight, he lost consciousness. Valle further said he was swinging the knife in all directions and felt overwhelmed, according to Court TV. "So I think that it's very difficult in a self-defense case for a jury to not hear from the defendant," Rotunno explained. "Sometimes, you can establish it through other witnesses, but if you have a defendant that can take the stand, and you have somebody who … is going to do a good job telling the jury what happened, I almost think it's necessary in these cases." Rotunno said that "in a melee, you have to remember, you're talking about split-second situations." She noted that at one point during his testimony, Valle was asked whether someone next to him was coming directly at him during the fight, to which he responded that he could not remember. "I think that for the defense, the best piece of information is just the fact that this is a total fight. You have no idea who's coming at you. You don't know what's going to happen to you. You're in fear, and you act," she said. "And in any circumstance, I understand that the prosecution is going to say, he brought this knife to a fist fight, right? … But just because you have a weapon on you doesn't mean that there was an intent to use it. And if you're not the aggressor, it doesn't mean you don't have a right to then defend yourself." If the jury does not come to an agreement, the judge may declare a mistrial. That could result in the case going "back to square one," Rotunno said. The defense could also argue for Valle's release in the case of a mistrial. A representative from St. Joseph's told Fox News Digital in 2022 that Valle had been in good academic standing and had not been in any fights at school before the May 14 incident. Valle was released on $2 million bond just days after his arrest in May 2022. An obituary for McGrath described the 17-year-old as the "sunshine" of his parents' life and his sister's "best friend and confidant." "Many described Jim as a wonderfully happy person with a big heart who was a loving friend to many," the obituary states. "He loved his school, Fairfield Prep, and he excelled as an athlete in every sport he chose. He played football and lacrosse for Fairfield Prep and as a youth for Shelton and Connecticut Wolves as well. He understood the meaning of being part of a team."
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Prep school murder jury deadlocked on EVERY charge after boy's knife rampage at party
Deliberations continue over a boy's deadly stabbing at a Connecticut prep school party as jurors remain deadlocked on every charge brought against the accused former student. Raul Elias Valle, now 20, is accused of stabbing 17-year-old James McGrath at a home in Shelton, about 15 miles west of New Haven, after a fight over stolen beer three years ago. On Tuesday, jurors declared they were deadlocked on all four charges brought against Valle, including one murder charge. There was one holdout on the murder charge, as the jury was stuck at 11-1 on Monday. The following day, the holdout was found to extend to the three assault charges as well, WTNH reported. Valle is accused of stabbing four students at the house party in 2022 when he was a 16-year-old student at St. Joseph High School, which enrolls students for $19,000 a year in tuition. The jury is set to continue deliberating over the case that began trial on June 17, 2025. If the jury does not find Valle guilty of murder, they could deliberate whether he is guilty of intentional first-degree manslaughter and then reckless first-degree manslaughter. All of his alleged victims survived the attack, except for McGrath, a Fairfield Prep standout athlete, who was killed during a feud between groups of boys from rival schools at an earlier party. Valle has been tried as an adult, despite his age at the time of the attack, and was released on a $2 million bond posted by his parents. He pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea deal, opting to go to trial, and faces up to 60 years in prison if he is found guilty. Prosecutors said that on May 14, 2022, Valle used a pocketknife to stab the four teenagers during the fight. 'Everything just went black,' Valle testified last week. 'I started waving and just stabbing in every direction, just flailing my arm around.' Valle has claimed he was acting in self defense against the group of fighting teenagers. He told the court that he believed the knife 'was the only thing that would help me,' and claimed he thought he was going to die. 'It didn't make him stop, even though I was flailing around a knife,' Valle testified. When asked who he was swinging at, he responded: 'Anybody who was coming at me.' 'It felt like the only thing that would help me.' He broke down as he recalled pulling the knife from his pocket while feeling 'hopeless' and 'scared.' During questioning, Valle admitted that he stabbed four people a collective nine times. Besides McGrath, those injured were named as Faison Teele, Ryan Heinz, and Thomas Connery 'They just weren't stopping,' Valle said. 'I didn't see it [the stabbings] happen. I didn't feel me stab [McGrath]. I didn't go up to him and stab him.' Valle admitted that he was the 'only one with a knife' that day. During questioning, Valle admitted that he stabbed four people a collective nine times. Besides McGrath, those injured were named as Faison Teele, Ryan Heinz, and Thomas Connery. When asked if he was responsible for the stab wounds, Valle said: 'I don't know. I guess so. Yes.' He added that he didn't remember sinking the knife into the teens. Valle's attorney has framed the stabbings as self-defense, saying his client was swarmed by teenagers during an 'attack' by other partygoers. Valle said his trio were confronted by 'about 30 people spread out in a line' which he described as a 'wall' of teenagers. Another high schooler at the party, Taylor Capela, witnessed the deadly fight, and said she heard one of the alleged victims shout 'he has a knife, he has a knife.' Moments later, Valle lunged at McGrath, Capela said. Capela said McGrath was not fighting anyone and was simply observing the chaos when Valle plunged the blade into his chest. She watched in horror as blood seeped through his white clothing. Capela also recalled seeing Teele and Connery covered in blood from their wounds. Capela broke down in the courtroom as she recalled the horror, saying she now suffers with nightmares and anxiety. Witnesses detailed how the fight, which ended McGrath's life, was sparked by an earlier disagreement at another house party. Valle's friend Jack Snyder, who gave him the knife, testified under an immunity agreement shielding him from prosecution linked to the crime. Snyder admitted going to a house party around two miles away earlier in the night and stealing beer from one of the stabbing victims, Ryan Heinz. Snyder said this triggered a minor dispute with a group from another local school, Shelton High. The rival groups then began insulting each other on a group chat that had originally been set up to organize basketball pick-up games. Valle told the court that he believed the knife 'was the only thing that would help me,' and claimed he thought he was going to die Snyder admitted that he and Valle left the first party when tensions were high, but planned to confront the other students later. They drove to the party on Laurel Glen Drive later that night, where Valle said the car was mobbed by the boys from the rival school. Snyder said he gave Valle a pocket-knife he had in the car, claiming that his friend 'aggressively' asked for it. Their friend Tyler DaSilva was also in the car. He added that he, DaSilva and Valle intended to resolve the fight peacefully because DaSilva 'knew some of their families', but he said one Shelton High student punched Valle, and the situation escalated from there. Meanwhile, Snyder remained in the car. He said that when Valle returned he was visibly disturbed. He said Valle told him 'I think I just stabbed four people'. Snyder said Valle tossed the knife into the woods as they left the scene - something the defendant denies. Snyder also admitted writing 'enjoy the hospital' in the basketball pick-up group chat, but told the court he did not understand the seriousness of the situation when he sent the message.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Prep school 'murderer' breaks down in shock as he's accused of teen killing that rocked glitzy town
A former prep school student broke down in tears as he faced charges over a brutal murder that rocked his glitzy Connecticut town. Raul Elias Valle, now 20, is accused of stabbing 17-year-old James McGrath at a home on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton, about 15 miles west of New Haven, after a fight over stolen beer three years ago. Valle took the witness stand at his murder trial in Superior Court in Milford on July 1, as he described the horrifying moments that led to the killing three years ago. He described the harrowing picture for jurors as he recounted the night in May 2022 when he allegedly killed McGrath in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Prosecutors say that on the night of May 14, 2022, Valle used a pocketknife to stab four teenagers, including McGrath, following a feud between groups of boys from rival schools at an earlier party. 'Everything just went black,' Valle testified last Tuesday. His voice cracked as he broke down describing the chaos that unfolded during the fight. At the time, Valle was a 16-year-old student at St Joseph High School, where tuition costs $19,000 a year, while McGrath was a standout athlete at the nearby $25,000-a-year Fairfield College Prep. 'I started waving and just stabbing in every direction, just flailing my arm around.' He described the harrowing picture for jurors as he recounted the night in May 2022 when he allegedly killed James McGrath (pictured) in what he claims was an act of self-defense The defendant was charged as an adult despite his age. Valle was released on a $2 million bond posted by his parents. He has pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea deal, opting to go to trial. He now faces up to 60 years in prison if found guilty. His case began unfolding at Connecticut Superior Court in Milford on June 17, 2025, and so far jurors have heard testimony from a sobbing Valle, along with several students who were at the party in 2022. Valle claimed he was 'attacked by a whole bunch of people and insisted he feared for his life as the fight broke out and intensified. 'I kept flailing my arm around... terrified,' he said. 'It didn't make him stop, even though I was flailing around a knife.' When asked who he was swinging at, he responded: 'Anybody who was coming at me.' 'It felt like the only thing that would help me.' He broke down as he recalled pulling the knife from his pocket while feeling 'hopeless' and 'scared.' 'They just weren't stopping,' Valle said. 'I didn't see it [the stabbings] happen. I didn't feel me stab [McGrath]. I didn't go up to him and stab him.' Valle admitted that he was the 'only one with a knife' that day. During questioning, Valle admitted that he stabbed four people a collective nine times. Besides McGrath, those injured were named as Faison Teele, Ryan Heinz, and Thomas Connery. When asked if he was responsible for the stab wounds, Valle said: 'I don't know. I guess so. Yes.' He added that he didn't remember sinking the knife into the teens. Valle attorney has framed the stabbings as self-defense, saying his client was swarmed by teenagers during an 'attack' by other partygoers. Valle said his trio were confronted by 'about 30 people spread out in a line' which he described as a 'wall' of teenagers. Another high schooler at the party, Taylor Capela, witnessed the deadly fight, and said she heard one of the alleged victims shout 'he has a knife, he has a knife'. Moments later, Valle lunged at McGrath, Capela said. Capela said McGrath was not fighting anyone and was simply observing the chaos when Valle plunged the blade into his chest. She watched in horror as blood seeped through his white clothing. Capela also recalled seeing Teele and Connery covered in blood from their wounds. Capela broke down in the courtroom as she recalled the horror, saying she now suffers with nightmares and anxiety. Witnesses detailed how the fight which ended McGrath's life was sparked by an earlier disagreement at another house party. Valle's friend Jack Snyder, who gave him the knife, testified under an immunity agreement shielding him from prosecution linked to the crime. Snyder admitted going to a house party around two miles away earlier in the night and stealing beer from one of the stabbing victims, Ryan Heinz. Snyder said this triggered a minor dispute with a group from another local school, Shelton High. The rival groups then began insulting each other on a group chat that had originally been set up to organize basketball pick-up games. Snyder admitted that he and Valle left the first party when tensions were high, but planned to confront the other students later. They drove to the party on Laurel Glen Drive later that night, where Valle said the car was mobbed by the boys from the rival school. Snyder said he gave Valle a pocket-knife he had in the car, claiming that his friend 'aggressively' asked for it. Their friend Tyler DaSilva was also in the car. He added that he, DaSilva and Valle intended to resolve the fight peacefully because DaSilva 'knew some of their families', but he said one Shelton High student punched Valle, and the situation escalated from there. Meanwhile, Snyder remained in the car. He said that when Valle returned he was visibly disturbed. He said Valle told him 'I think I just stabbed four people'. Snyder said Valle tossed the knife into the woods as they left the scene - something the defendant denies. Snyder also admitted writing 'enjoy the hospital' in the basketball pick-up group chat, but told the court he did not understand the seriousness of the situation when he sent the message. One of the victims, Heinz, recalled the horrific moment he was stabbed. He said he did not initially realize, until a friend pointed out blood soaking through his clothes and he heard a gurgling noise coming from his collapsed lung. Disturbing footage of the fight was shown to jurors. Valle said it was Snyder who tossed him the knife unprompted, and that he was confused about why he handed him the weapon, but pocketed it anyway. Synder has denied this version of events, saying that Valle asked him for the knife.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Preppy Connecticut town torn apart by violent murder at private school house party
A wealthy Connecticut suburb has been rocked by the killing of a private school lacrosse star stabbed to death at a house party. Raul Elias Valle, now 20, is accused of killing 17-year-old James McGrath at a home on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton, a ritzy town 15 miles west of New Haven, after a fight over stolen beer. Prosecutors say that on the night of May 14, 2022, Valle used a pocketknife to stab four teenagers, including McGrath, following a feud between groups of boys from rival schools at an earlier party. At the time, Valle was a 16-year-old student at St Joseph High School, where tuition costs $19,000 a year, while McGrath was a standout athlete at the nearby $25,000-a-year Fairfield College Prep. Despite being charged with murder, Valle was released on a $2 million bond posted by his parents. He has pleaded not guilty and turned down a plea deal, opting to go to trial. He now faces up to 60 years in prison if found guilty. His case began unfolding at Connecticut Superior Court in Milford on June 17, 2025, and so far jurors have heard testimony from a sobbing Valle, along with several students who were at the party in 2022. During questioning, Valle admitted that he stabbed four people a collective nine times. Besides McGrath, those injured were named as Faison Teele, Ryan Heinz, and Thomas Connery. When asked if he was responsible for the stab wounds, Valle said: 'I don't know. I guess so. Yes.' He added that he didn't remember sinking the knife into the teens. Valle attorney has framed the stabbings as self-defense, saying his client was swarmed by teenagers during an 'attack' by other partygoers. Speaking in court, Valle told the court that a huge group of teens attacked him and 'everything went black.' 'I started waving and just stabbing in every direction, just flailing my arm around,' he said during the tearful testimony. Valle said his trio were confronted by 'about 30 people spread out in a line' which he described as a 'wall' of teenagers. Another high schooler at the party, Taylor Capela, witnessed the deadly fight, and said she heard one of the alleged victims shout 'he has a knife, he has a knife'. Moments later, Valle lunged at McGrath, Capela said. Capela said McGrath was not fighting anyone and was simply observing the chaos when Valle plunged the blade into his chest. She watched in horror as blood seeped through his white clothing. Capela also recalled seeing Teele and Connery covered in blood from their wounds. Capela broke down in the courtroom as she recalled the horror, saying she now suffers with nightmares and anxiety. Witnesses detailed how the fight which ended McGrath's life was sparked by an earlier disagreement at another house party. Valle's friend Jack Snyder, who gave him the knife, testified under an immunity agreement shielding him from prosecution linked to the crime. Snyder admitted going to a house party around two miles away earlier in the night and stealing beer from one of the stabbing victims, Ryan Heinz. Snyder said this triggered a minor dispute with a group from another local school, Shelton High. The rival groups then began insulting each other on a group chat that had originally been set up to organize basketball pick-up games. Snyder admitted that he and Valle left the first party when tensions were high, but planned to confront the other students later. They drove to the party on Laurel Glen Drive later that night, where Valle said the car was mobbed by the boys from the rival school. Snyder said he gave Valle a pocket-knife he had in the car, claiming that his friend 'aggressively' asked for it. Their friend Tyler DaSilva was also in the car. He added that he, DaSilva and Valle intended to resolve the fight peacefully because DaSilva 'knew some of their families', but he said one Shelton High student punched Valle, and the situation escalated from there. Meanwhile, Snyder remained in the car. He said that when Valle returned he was visibly disturbed. He said Valle told him 'I think I just stabbed four people'. Snyder said Valle tossed the knife into the woods as they left the scene - something the defendant denies. Snyder also admitted writing 'enjoy the hospital' in the basketball pick-up group chat, but told the court he did not understand the seriousness of the situation when he sent the message. One of the victims, Heinz, recalled the horrific moment he was stabbed. He said he did not initially realize, until a friend pointed out blood soaking through his clothes and he heard a gurgling noise coming from his collapsed lung. Disturbing footage of the fight was shown to jurors. Valle said it was Snyder who tossed him the knife unprompted, and that he was confused about why he handed him the weapon, but pocketed it anyway. Synder has denied this version of events, saying that Valle asked him for the knife. Prosecutors have charged Valle with murder and multiple counts of assault. He is being tried as an adult despite being a minor at the time of the alleged crimes. The trial is set to continue for several more weeks at Connecticut Superior Court.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Baylor defensive lineman Alex Foster dies at 18, school announces
Baylor defensive lineman Alex Foster died early Wednesday morning in Greenville, Mississippi, the school announced. He was 18. No details were revealed on the cause of death for the player who redshirted last season and took part in spring practices. 'We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of Alex Foster, a beloved member of our football family,' coach Dave Aranda and athletic director Mack Rhoades said in a joint statement. 'Our immediate focus is on supporting Alex's family and his teammates through this devastating loss. Alex's memory will forever be part of our hearts and this program.' Aranda posted a separate message in referring to Foster making a 'long-lasting impact on all of us,' and adding, 'Our hearts are broken, and our prayers are with his family, friends and all those who loved him so deeply.' Listed at 6-foot-5 and 292 pounds, Foster was rated by 247Sports as being among Mississippi's top-20 prospects and 69th defensive lineman in the nation coming out of St. Joseph High School in Madison. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
