Trial Begins for Teen Accused of Stabbing Fairfield Prep Student to Death

Milford, CT – The long-awaited trial for Raul Valle, 19, accused of the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Fairfield Prep student Jimmy McGrath, is set to commence tomorrow at Milford Superior Court at 10 AM. McGrath was allegedly stabbed to death at a Shelton house party in May 2022, an incident that also left three others injured. Valle faces charges of murder and three counts of first-degree assault. This trial follows his rejection of a 40-year plea deal offered in 2023. The McGrath family has expressed their readiness for justice, stating they have been waiting since the moment their son was taken from them. Jimmy McGrath, a football and lacrosse player at Fairfield Prep, is remembered by his family as "the brightest light in a room" and "one of a kind." His sister, Rose McGrath, shared that he was "very special to everyone" and left "such great impacts that everyone will live and remember forever." His father, Kevin McGrath, noted the process has been long and slow, but the family is now focused on remembering the good times, though acknowledging the sadness of his absence. Despite three years having passed, the family states their pain remains. The trial is expected to last a couple of weeks, with Valle's mother and brother reportedly present during the jury selection process.