The attorney for a Connecticut man who was recently acquitted of first-degree murder charges stemming from a booze-fueled brawl between prep school students is making another move to ensure his client’s freedom.

Last July, a jury found Raul Valle, now 19, not guilty of murder and intentional manslaughter in the May 14, 2022 stabbing death of James “Jimmy” McGrath. Valle was 16 at the time of the incident, and McGrath was 17.

The jury was deadlocked on lesser charges of reckless manslaughter in that trial, leading to a partial mistrial.

Valle attended St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, near Fairfield Prep, where McGrath was a junior and star lacrosse player. Prior to the stabbing that evening, both had been at a house party that involved underage drinking and a fight.

DEADLOCKED JURORS IN PREP SCHOOL LACROSSE PLAYER’S KILLING A ‘GREAT SIGN’ FOR DEFENSE: EXPERT

After heading to another location to continue partying, tempers flared again and about 25 people engaged in another brawl on the front lawn of the second home, whose owners were present at the time, witnesses told police. It was during that fight that the stabbing death occurred.

Valle admitted to the stabbing, but said it was committed in self-defense and in defense of a friend.

The day after Valle’s July 9, 2025, acquittal on the most serious charges, the state filed new reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges.

TEXAS JURY RETURNS VERDICT IN 2022 STABBING DEATH OF HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE: REPORT

Now, Valle’s attorney, Darnell Crosland, has filed a motion claiming that the reckless manslaughter and reckless assault charges constitute double jeopardy, which is unconstitutional, according to The Connecticut Post.

Crosland’s motion says the only explanation for the initial jury’s decision to acquit on the first-degree murder charge was that his client acted in self-defense.

“No other theory explains the acquittals,” he wrote in the motion.

KAREN READ LOSES DOUBLE JEOPARDY APPEAL IN BOSTON COP SLAYING CASE, WILL RECEIVE NEW TRIAL

“The jury has spoken,” he continued. “The law is clear. The court must dismiss these charges with prejudice — immediately.”

The Connecticut Post reported that in an interview after Valle’s acquittal, the jury foreperson said self-defense was not discussed.

In their own filing, prosecutors disagreed with Crosland’s reasoning, according to the report.

ACCUSED AUSTIN METCALF KILLER WON’T FACE DEATH PENALTY OR LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE: DA

They described self-defense as a “justification defense,” not one that is central to the elements of the charges Valle still faces, and thus, cannot be used as an argument to have the current charges dismissed.

“The fact that the jury acquitted the defendant of murder, intentional manslaughter and intentional assaults, but could not reach a unanimous verdict as to the reckless charges, demonstrates only that the jury must have reached the conclusion that the defendant lacked the specific intent to either kill or to cause serious physical injury,” the filing reportedly said.

McGrath’s family was shocked by the results of the 2025 trial.

“I’m astonished at the results, but, you know, it’s due process,” a stoic Kevin McGrath said outside the state Superior Court in Milford, Connecticut, later describing his son as a “wonderful person.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“He’s entitled to it,” said McGrath. “And at the end of the day, the jury made their verdict. I’m not sure if, you know, they were in the same courtroom as we all were together, but that’s the verdict. And we’ll live with it.” 

Fox News Digital reached out to Crosland for comment.

Thank you for your interest in New England Business Media.

Access to our website is currently restricted in your region as part of our regional access policy. If you believe this is an error or have a business-related inquiry, feel free to contact us at info@nebusinessmedia.com.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to connecting where possible.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — In an ever-changing retail space, malls across Connecticut are doing what they can to keep up with the times and rethink what the quintessential mall experience looks like moving forward.

From the hum of escalators and the buttery smell of warm pretzels to eye-catching window displays, shopping malls charmed customers when they first opened in the late 20th century.

For some, those early memories tie back to long days walking the halls of The Westfarms Mall in West Hartford.

“I saw ‘Star Wars’ here; there were movies in the mall back in the mid-70s and 80s,” Ronald Torres of West Hartford said. “The mall changed throughout the years, but this mall has always been a staple in this area.”

Self-described as ‘Central Connecticut’s Premier Shopping Destination,’ the space holds over 140 stores, many of which are filled, for shoppers to choose from.

To keep its legacy strong, General Manager Carolyn Edwards and her team say they are constantly looking ahead for ways to elevate their shopping experience. Recently, the mall has leaned more towards offering unique dining options and special events to pique customers’ interest.

“I think Gen Z right now is really embracing the mall, right? After COVID, you had people who maybe weren’t socializing or coming out,” Edwards said.

Keeping a healthy variety of brands that customers can identify with is also key, from popular national retailers to high-end brands. The mall is soon welcoming Barnes and Noble and Häagen-Dazs just in time for sweet summer treats and beach reads.

“The shoppers come to support it and in turn the retailers say, ‘We want to be at that center cause that’s where the strong shopper base is,’ so it goes hand in hand,” Edwards said.

A Different Story Down The Road

Just a couple of towns over, Enfield Square has been up for conversation by town leaders. Built in the 1970’s, the space stood tall as an economic driver for the town.

Over the past decade, Economic Director Aaron Marcavitch says he’s seen a decline in revenue, followed by a full mall closure for safety reasons. A Target location, which is “anchored” to the mall, has remained open.

“All these different communities that had malls as their hubs are really looking at these as revitalization opportunities,” Marcavitch said. “It’s critical that that parcel be redeveloped in some way. We really don’t want to have a massive, vacant parcel in the core of our community.”

Gears are moving for potential new owners, who have already proposed plans to town leaders to turn the mall into a mixed-use space, including a central retail hub and apartment units.

News 8 reached out to the Enfield Square mall’s representation but was declined for an interview.

Betting on Community Over Commerce

At The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, General Manager Justin Roberts is also giving the modern-day mall experience a second look.

“Malls themselves have had to change over the years. It’s not the same environment as the 90’s,” Roberts said. “What we’ve noticed is that many of the malls that are successful do have these third spaces, places to go, things to do. It generates a lot more foot traffic.”

In addition to offering national brands, small businesses are bringing unique offerings to customers. Roberts says he’s also leaning towards something online retail can’t replicate: More entertainment spaces to fill empty storefronts. Roberts says the mall has already had plenty of success with its tenant, The Funny Bone Comedy Club.

“Community theatres, roller rinks. Things for people to do and be involved in a community,” Roberts said. “We want welcoming third spaces.”