Who is Raul Eliah Valle? Teen accused of fatally stabbing prep student FREED on $2M bond
SHELTON, CONNECTICUT: Raul Eliah Valle is facing murder and three counts of first-degree assault charges in the fatal stabbing death of Fairfield Prep student Jimmy McGrath at a house party in Shelton that took place on the night of May 14 where dozens of teens were in attendance.
The arrest warrant affidavit filed by the Shelton police in the case shows a series of events that are still not clear. However, based on it, McGrath died of a single stab wound to the left side of his chest that went through his rib and heart.
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Raul Eliah Velle, who is a student of St Joseph’s High School in Trumbull, handed himself on the morning of May 22 after police located him after several days. He was released from custody on Monday, May 27, on a $2 million bond after Judge Peter Brown declined Valle’s attorney Jake Donovan’s request to lower the bond. Valle’s next court appearance is set for June 7 in Milford.
MURDER SUSPECT IDENTIFIED by his attorney as Raúl Valle, 16, of Milford. His case has been transferred to the Milford court that handles serious crimes. He is due to be back before a judge June 7. @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/Om1y6zmBfo
— Tony Terzi (@T2Fox61) May 19, 2022
STABBING SUSPECT ARRIVES The 16-year-old from Milford, who is accused of murdering 17-year-old Jake McGrath of Shelton by stabbing him to death, just arrived moments ago at Derby Superior Court aboard this prisoners van. @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/X10uUTOxe6
— Tony Terzi (@T2Fox61) May 19, 2022
As per Daily Mail, Valle's defense attorney Jake Donovan told reporters he would not comment during the investigation. "Obviously, this is an unspeakable tragedy for everyone involved, and it would be irresponsible for me to make any comment before I have the chance to examine all of the evidence in the case," Donovan said outside the courtroom. "I appreciate your interest and your concern, but again, I need to see the entire file," he added.
Jimmy McGrath, a junior at Fairfield College Preparatory School, who played football and lacrosse, was described as "the sunshine of our life" in his obituary by parents Margaret and Kevin McGrath.
Fairfield Prep took to Twitter to grieve the loss of the student. They tweeted, "We share his obituary and funeral information. May the Holy Spirit fill us all with peace as we console the McGrath family and celebrate Jimmy's life."
Meanwhile, St Joseph School released a statement saying that the entire school community was “horrified and deeply saddened” by McGrath’s death and Valle’s arrest. “We are all still shocked by this heartbreaking situation. The counselors and social workers are on campus to support students as they process the incident. The St Joseph High School Community continues to offer solemn prayers for the McGrath family and Fairfield Prep Community as they mourn the unthinkable loss of a son and cherished classmate."