Shelton, CT Criminal Defense Attorney News Archive

Raul Valle, 20, recently acquitted of murder in connection with the tragic death of 17-year-old James “Jimmy” McGrath from Fairfield Prep, made a brief court appearance in Shelton, Connecticut. In this session, Valle addressed lesser charges against him, specifically reckless manslaughter and assault.

Valle, citing his family's significant financial hardships during the previous court battle, requested more time to secure legal representation. The jury’s verdict in July left McGrath's father, Kevin McGrath, disheartened. He has voiced concerns about systemic failures regarding his son's untimely death.

Valle is set to return to court on November 17 to continue proceedings related to this civil litigation. Legal experts predict that this case will attract attention from both corporate and criminal defense circles in Connecticut.

Raul Valle, recently acquitted of murder in the death of Fairfield Prep student James McGrath, is now facing amended charges including reckless first-degree manslaughter. The court proceedings are set to take place in Milford on October 15, 2025.

Valle's former attorney, Kevin Smith, has officially stepped down, leaving the young defendant to navigate the complexities of civil litigation and criminal defense on his own. This case has gained notable attention within the Bridgeport area, reflecting the intricacies involved in such serious legal matters.

The Milford jury had previously deadlocked on multiple charges associated with the stabbings that resulted in McGrath's death and left three others injured at a Shelton house party in 2022. Valle continues to assert his defense, claiming he acted in self-defense and was terrified during the incident.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges encountered by the legal community and local law enforcement in addressing serious offenses in neighboring areas, including Trumbull and Shelton.

William Kundert, an Oxford resident, faces serious charges including second-degree manslaughter, DUI, and assault following a tragic crash on Route 8 in Beacon Falls that resulted in the death of a Bridgeport mother and her two children. In light of a positive fentanyl test, his bail has been raised to $2 million, ensuring he will remain incarcerated for the time being.

Judge Stephanie Damiani, along with Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Rebecca Barry and Kundert's defense attorney, Douglas Rudolph, has set a hearing date for potential plea discussions on September 26.

The fatal incident occurred on February 4 and led to investigations by Connecticut State Police after witnesses reported erratic driving in Shelton, Derby, and Seymour. Toxicology results revealed multiple drugs in Kundert's system, raising significant concerns about his ability to drive safely.

Local officials are emphasizing the need for stringent legal measures in criminal defense cases involving DUI and personal injury law, as this case moves through the court system.

Jason Kymer, a 38-year-old former teacher and coach from Beacon Falls, Connecticut, is facing serious charges including second-degree sexual assault and tampering with a witness. These allegations stem from claims of inappropriate conduct with a high school student.

The investigation was launched after police discovered that the sexual relationship began when the victim was only 17 years old and reportedly took place on school grounds at Shelton High School. This case highlights pressing issues related to employment practices within educational institutions and raises important questions surrounding civil litigation aimed at protecting students.

As the community seeks justice, investigators are urging anyone with additional information to reach out to the Shelton Detective Bureau. Kymer has been released on a $50,000 bond and is expected to appear in Derby Superior Court on August 25.