The lawyer representing a Connecticut man recently acquitted of first-degree murder connected to a violent altercation among prep school students is taking further steps to secure his client’s freedom.
In July 2025, a jury found Raul Valle, who is now 19, not guilty of both murder and voluntary manslaughter regarding the stabbing of James “Jimmy” McGrath on May 14, 2022. At the time of the incident, Valle was 16 and McGrath was 17.
During the trial, the jury couldn’t reach a decision on the lesser charge of reckless homicide, resulting in a partial mistrial.
Valle was enrolled at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, close to Fairfield Prep, where McGrath played lacrosse as a standout junior. Before the stabbing, both attended a house party that had underage drinking and a prior dispute.
Following a shift in location to continue the party, a significant fight erupted outside the venue, involving around 25 people. Witnesses told police that a stabbing incident occurred during this altercation.
While Valle confessed to the stabbing, he claimed it was an act of self-defense aimed at protecting a friend.
On July 9, 2025, just after Valle’s acquittal, new charges of reckless manslaughter and reckless assault were filed against him.
Valle’s attorney, Darnell Crosland, has since submitted a motion contending that these new charges violate the principles of double jeopardy and are unconstitutional. Crosland suggests that the only reasoning provided by the original jury was rooted in self-defense.
“There’s no alternative explanation for the acquittal,” he mentioned in his motion.
The jury foreman had previously stated that self-defense was not brought up during discussions after Valle’s acquittal.
Prosecutors have countered Crosland’s arguments in their submissions, claiming that self-defense can’t be a basis for dropping the new charges, as it was not a key factor related to those specific charges.
They pointed out that the jury’s acquittal indicates they didn’t believe Valle had the intent to kill or cause serious harm.
The family of McGrath expressed their shock at the trial’s outcome. Kevin McGrath, his father, acknowledged being taken aback but underscored the jury’s right to their verdict, describing his son as a “wonderful person” and indicating a sense of acceptance of the legal process despite his feelings.
