Connecticut
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.
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.
Connecticut
State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations
Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.
The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.
Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.
Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.
Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.
The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.
State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Connecticut
Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument
Connecticut
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options
The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?
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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut
Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.
Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.
So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?
Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.
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