A 20-year-old man testified this week at his murder trial, offering a chilling account of a fatal altercation that took place at a house party more than three years ago. Raul Valle, then 16, stands accused of stabbing James McGrath, a Connecticut high schooler, to death in May 2022.
Valle says the deadly confrontation, which also left three others injured, was an act of self-defense after he was allegedly attacked by a group of rival high school students.
The Fatal Incident
Valle recounted the events of that night in Superior Court in Milford, describing how, in a panic, he started “just stabbing in every direction” during a fight at an alcohol-fueled house party.
He claimed that he was “terrified” and “attacked by a whole bunch” of people, leading him to lash out in fear for his life. Valle said, “Everything just went black,” as he tried to protect himself.
“I started waving and just stabbing in every direction, just flailing my arm around,” Valle told the court. “I kept flailing my arm around … terrified.” He also claimed that despite his efforts to defend himself, the attack continued, and he “didn’t feel [himself] stab [McGrath].” Valle added, “I didn’t go up to him and stab him.”
The Fight Leading to the Stabbing
The incident reportedly began with a brawl earlier in the evening, involving Valle and some of his friends and McGrath’s group. Valle’s defense attorney, Kevin Smith, told the court that the altercation escalated from a previous fight involving one of the victims.
McGrath and the other victims were students at Fairfield College Preparatory School, a rival to Valle’s St. Joseph’s High School in Trumbull. Valle claimed that he was simply trying to defend himself when the situation spiraled out of control.
When asked who he was swinging at, Valle answered, “Anybody who was coming at me. It felt like the only thing that would help me.”
Aftermath of the Stabbing
In the wake of the fatal stabbing, Valle reportedly turned himself in to the authorities. He was later released on a $2 million bond. He admitted to feeling “hopeless” and “scared” that night, stating, “They just weren’t stopping,” in reference to the people he claimed were attacking him.
Valle also confirmed that he was the only one with a weapon — a knife — during the fight.
While Valle did not witness the stabbings happen, he acknowledged that he could not stop his actions once the knife was in his hand.
Arrests of Parents Who Provided Alcohol
In connection with the tragic events, two parents — Susanna Leifer and Paul Leifer, both of Shelton — were arrested for allegedly serving alcohol to minors at the house party. The couple was convicted in January 2024 and sentenced to accelerated rehabilitation for permitting the underage drinking.
The Trial Continues
As the trial progresses, the court is hearing arguments about whether Valle’s actions were truly an act of self-defense or an example of reckless violence. The emotional testimony from Valle suggests that he was acting in fear, but whether that fear justifies his actions will be determined by the jury.
