A Connecticut prep school murder case might see a defendant acquitted due to a strategic legal move. The incident, involving the fatal stabbing of a student during an intoxicated teen fight in May 2022, could result in a favorable outcome for the accused, as suggested by a criminal defense attorney.

The accused, Raul Valle, who is 20 years old, is awaiting the verdict after being tried for first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault. He allegedly stabbed James “Jimmy” McGrath, a 17-year-old athlete from Fairfield College Preparatory School, at a party.

Jury members are currently deadlocked with an 11-1 split and are expected to continue their deliberations on Wednesday morning, according to a report from NBC Connecticut.

“I think those stories are very compelling for jurors. I think jurors really try to get it right,” Donna Rotunno, criminal defense attorney and Fox News contributor, told Fox News Digital. “Obviously, there are some cases where maybe that analysis doesn’t fit or somebody makes the claim of self-defense [and] it doesn’t make sense under the law. But … given the way this jury has been out now for a couple of days, and they’re clearly deadlocked … [defense attorneys] have made a compelling argument to at least one or some.”

A 16-year-old murder suspect allegedly stabbed Jimmy McGrath outside this home on Laurel Glen Drive in Shelton, Connecticut, where a memorial in the shape of a heart was placed outside.  (Fox News Digital)

“I think that for the defense, the best piece of information is just the fact that this is a total fight. You have no idea who’s coming at you. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you. You’re in fear, and you act,” she said. “And in any circumstance, I understand that the prosecution is going to say, he brought this knife to a fist fight, right? … But just because you have a weapon on you doesn’t mean that there was an intent to use it. And if you’re not the aggressor, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to then defend yourself.”

If the jury does not come to an agreement, the judge may declare a mistrial. That could result in the case going “back to square one,” Rotunno said. The defense could also argue for Valle’s release in the case of a mistrial.

Raul Valle listens in court on the eighth day of his murder trial in state Superior Court, in Milford, Conn. June 30, 2025. (Ned Gerard/Connecticut Post)

A representative from St. Joseph’s told Fox News Digital in 2022 that Valle had been in good academic standing and had not been in any fights at school before the May 14 incident.

Valle was released on $2 million bond just days after his arrest in May 2022.

An obituary for McGrath described the 17-year-old as the “sunshine” of his parents’ life and his sister’s “best friend and confidant.” 

“Many described Jim as a wonderfully happy person with a big heart who was a loving friend to many,” the obituary states. “He loved his school, Fairfield Prep, and he excelled as an athlete in every sport he chose. He played football and lacrosse for Fairfield Prep and as a youth for Shelton and Connecticut Wolves as well. He understood the meaning of being part of a team.”