James McGrath’s parents call for justice process to ‘play out’
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BRIDGEPORT — The parents of the Shelton teen killed at a house party last month held a news conference Friday, calling on the public to peacefully let the criminal justice process “play out” as they mourn their son’s death.
At the crowded news conference, James McGrath’s father raised concerns about the Memorial Day brawl at Walnut Beach in Milford, where police have said several officers were hurt who were trying to break up a fight.
Kevin McGrath said his family is calling “for a period of peace and deescalation.”
He stressed that people should not speak out in anger regarding his son’s death or engage in altercations. They’ve heard of three conflicts connected with the slaying and would like such events to stop.
“Any violence resulting from this matter would be a dishonor to Jimmy’s name,” he said.
Milford police have not said whether the beach brawl was connected with James McGrath’s death.
A 16-year-old Milford teen, Raul Eliah Valle, a student at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, is facing murder and first-degree assault charges in McGrath’s May 14 stabbing death at a house party Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton.
“The fate of Raul and his accomplices are in the hands of the criminal justice system, as they should be,” Kevin McGrath said.
“Although Jimmy has passed, what our family has experienced is nothing short of a miracle. Our strength is derived from our community (and their faith),” Kevin McGrath added.
McGrath said the family is not considering any legal action right now and is instead focused on finding justice for their son. He said he plans to attend each court hearing.
“I have my feelings, but most important is convictions,” McGrath said. He added that their family will try to aid other people who have recently lost children and young people in Shelton.
The news conference marked Margaret and Kevin McGrath’s first public comments since they appeared last month at a lacrosse game between Shelton High School and Fairfield Prep, where their son attended.
Rosie McGrath, James’s sister, said her brother was her best friend. His passion and drive will alter her life moving forward, she said.
“I want justice for him,” she said. “He’ll forever live on with us.”
Valle was released from custody last week on $2 million bond. Valle is due back in court July 15 for a probable cause hearing, although he could opt to waive the hearing.
It’s unclear whether there will be additional charges, either against Valle or anyone else. There was at least one other teen described by witnesses as initiating the fight at the house party where McGrath was stabbed, according to Valle’s arrest warrant.
It is also unclear if any other suspects will be identified even if they are arrested. Valle’s murder charge resulted in the 16-year-old’s case being transferred to adult court, but lesser charges could mean any other suspects remain in juvenile court, where minors’ identities are not released.
“We have the people who are responsible,” Kevin McGrath said. “Let the criminal justice system do its job.”
McGrath said his son was talented and well spoken, able to hold a conversation with anyone. He said others’ memories of James McGrath have been a source of strength, noting his impact on others.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare, the loss of a child,” attorney Michael Rosnick said. “There are many unanswered questions that are being thoroughly investigated by the Shelton police.”
Following James McGrath’s death, there was a groundswell of support in the community. The funds raised by the community, including through a GoFundMe campaign, will help foster healing within their family and community, Kevin McGrath said.
“We’re going to let this situation define us, but we’re not going to let it break us. We’re going to turn this tragic situation into a positive,” Kevin McGrath said. “There’s a lot of anger; there’s a lot of mental illness that needs to be addressed in our community (and the country as a whole).”
This story will be updated.
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