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Connecticut parents get probation for hosting drunken high school party that led to fatal stabbing

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Connecticut parents get probation for hosting drunken high school party that led to fatal stabbing


The Connecticut parents who hosted a drunken high school house party that preceded the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old were sentenced Wednesday to probation for allowing underage drinking.

Paul Leifer, 59, and Susanna Leifer, 52, will have their cases dismissed if they meet certain conditions, the Connecticut Post reported. Those conditions include not getting arrested again in the next two years, completing 50 hours of community service each, making $250 charitable donations and not hosting any parties that may include underage drinking.

A party at the Leifers’ house on May 14, 2022 ended in a fight, and some of the combatants met later that night down the road and brawled again. During the second confrontation, 17-year-old James McGrath was stabbed to death.

Raul Valle, now 18, was charged as an adult with murdering McGrath. He pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal in November.

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According to police, the Leifers’ daughter invited 15 to 20 students from her school, St. Joseph High, to the party. Prosecutors said the Leifers realized the teens were drinking, but allowed them to continue partying, the Connecticut Post reported.

The fight erupted when an uninvited group of students from a rival high school, Shelton High, tried to crash the party, according to police. The Leifers responded to the brawl by kicking everyone out.

But the disagreement continued until a small group of teens met shortly afterward at a nearby house. McGrath, who did not attend St. Joseph’s or Shelton High but instead was a student at Fairfield Prep, was stabbed to death at the second scene. Valle, a St. Joseph student, knew McGrath from outside school.

The Leifers were charged with allowing minors to possess alcohol. Susanna Leifer was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, after police said she gave one of the brawling kids his beer back. The families of McGrath and Valle have also sued the Leifers in civil court.



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Senator Hochadel Welcomes $581,256 State Grant for Middlefield Pedestrian Safety Project – Connecticut Senate Democrats

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Senator Hochadel Welcomes 1,256 State Grant for Middlefield Pedestrian Safety Project – Connecticut Senate Democrats


June 12, 2026

Sen. Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) on Friday welcomed a $581,256 state grant to fund the Middlefield Municipal Campus Connections project, improving pedestrian safety and connectivity around the town’s municipal campus.

The funding comes through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, announced today by Governor Ned Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.

“Middlefield is a small, tight-knit community, and investments in how residents move through that community matter,” Senator Hochadel said. “Safer connections around the municipal campus make daily life better for the people who live there, and that’s what this program delivers. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto for making sure Middlefield was part of this investment.”

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Since the program launched in 2019, 172 grants totaling more than $84 million have been invested in Connecticut communities.

Governor Lamont highlighted the broader impact of the program across Connecticut.

“This program cuts red tape and accelerates local infrastructure projects that make a real difference in people’s daily lives,” Governor Lamont said. “Across Connecticut with the support of this state program, communities are building accessible sidewalks, new bicycle connections, and stronger links to jobs, schools, and local businesses.”

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov 

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Children’s miniature toys recalled in Connecticut due to lead hazard

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Children’s miniature toys recalled in Connecticut due to lead hazard


HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) is alerting residents on Friday about a recall of Darice Timeless Minis decorative toys that were found to contain lead levels that violate the federal paint ban.

The CTDPH is urging residents to stop using the decorative toy products immediately. The recall applies to the red wagons, watering cans, and chairs, all of which pose a risk for lead poisoning, according to CTDPH officials.

The CTDPH said residents who have one of the recalled products should:

  • Stop using the product immediately and dispose of it
  • Contact your child’s healthcare provider to discuss whether lead testing is
  • appropriate
  • Report any injuries or illnesses associated with these products to the CPSC

“Lead poisoning is entirely preventable, and no level of lead exposure is safe for children,” Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D., said in a written statement. “We are asking every parent, caregiver, childcare provider, and healthcare professional in Connecticut to take this recall seriously. If you have these products in your home, stop using them immediately and throw them away. If you have any concern that your child may have been exposed, please contact your
healthcare provider and ask about lead testing. Acting quickly makes all the difference.”

The recall was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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LIST: Where to find splash pads in Connecticut this summer

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LIST: Where to find splash pads in Connecticut this summer


NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Looking for a free way to stay cool this summer in Connecticut?

Parks, recreation centers and beaches across the state are opening as temperatures continue to climb.

See News 8’s developing list below:

New Haven

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  • Foote Park in Brandford
  • East Haven Town Beach
  • Quasy Amusement Park in Middlebury
  • Lighthouse Point Park
  • Nolan Athletic Complex in Ansonia
  • Villano Park in Hamden

Hartford

  • Verplanck Elementary School in Manchester
  • Nathan Hale in Beach in Manchester
  • A.W. Stanley Park Pool in New Britain
  • Willow Brook Park Pool in New Britain
  • Chesley Park in New Britain
  • Willow Street Park in New Britain
  • Beachland Park in West Hartford
  • Fernridge Park in West Hartford
  • Kennedy Park in West Hartford

Middlesex

  •  Watrous Park in Cromwell
  • Clinton Town Beach
  • Veterans Memorial Park in Middletown

New London

  • The Dinosaur Place in Montville

Windham

  • Paderewski Park in Plainville

Splash pad locations operate at different times. Contact each location for specifics on parking, opening times and residency requirements.

Have a splash pad to add to our list? Email webproducer-wtnh@nexstar.tv


Download the News 8 app to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch News 8 on WTNH.com or the free WTNH News 8 streaming app on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and select Samsung Smart TVs.



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