Shelton Police Department Lt. Robert Kozlowsky joined “Fox & Friends” to discuss the latest in the investigation into the death of James McGrath. Two families are suing a Connecticut couple who hosted a May 2022 house party and allegedly supplied alcohol to minors prior to the stabbing death of a high school student from Shelton.
The couple, Paul Leifer, 59, and Susanna Leifer, 51, were arrested in March and charged with permitting minors to possess alcohol. Susanna Leifer was also charged with second-degree reckless endangerment after James McGrath, a 17-year-old Fairfield College Preparatory School student, was fatally stabbed at a different home following a party at the Leifers’ house. The lawsuits filed by Thomas Connery, the father of another minor who was stabbed that evening, allege that a substantial amount of alcohol was served to individuals under the age of 21 at the Leifers’ party.
According to the complaints, a fight broke out at the Leifers’ house among individuals under the age of 21 who had been consuming alcohol. The lawsuit claims that the Leifers were aware of the risks associated with underage drinking, including the potential for violence, but failed to take appropriate action to prevent or intervene in the altercation.
After the fight at the Leifers’ house, the suspects, who were described as students from St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, arrived at another party in Shelton where a second fight occurred. James McGrath, along with three other students, was stabbed during this altercation. Raul Eliah Valle, a 16-year-old student from Milford, has been charged with murder and assault in connection with the stabbing.
The lawsuits brought against the Leifers accuse them of negligence, negligence per se, host liability, recklessness, and negligent infliction of emotional distress for the harm caused to the victims. One lawsuit alleges that the Leifers knowingly supplied alcohol to underage individuals and failed to report or intervene in the assault that took place at their home.
The article also mentions that the Leifers’ attorney’s office did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting the fight at the second location and found several victims on the front lawn. Witnesses reported that approximately 25 people were involved in the altercation. The warrant states that James McGrath suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest, which went through his rib and heart. The medical examiner’s report revealed that there was a significant amount of blood in McGrath’s lungs.
Raul Eliah Valle, the suspect in McGrath’s murder, was released on $2 million bond shortly after his arrest. McGrath’s obituary describes him as a beloved student-athlete and a loving friend to many.
The article concludes by mentioning that Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Digital and FOX Business.
Overall, this article highlights the tragic death of James McGrath and the lawsuits filed against the Leifers for supplying alcohol to minors. It provides details about the events leading up to the stabbing and the allegations made against the Leifers. The article also includes information about the suspect and the response from the police.
