James McGrath, a student at Fairfield Preparatory School in Connecticut, was stabbed to death by a 16-year-old boy on Wednesday, police said.
Shelton police say the suspect, a 16-year-old Milford resident, was arrested early on Wednesday morning on suspicion of murder and three counts of assault in the first degree. As a result, the juvenile suspect, who is due in court on Wednesday, has been ordered held on a $2 million bond, police stated.
On Wednesday, McGrath’s father could not respond to questions about his son’s arrest because he was “too emotional.”
It will take Kevin McGrath some time to digest all of the information. He told the New York Post. McGrath expressed his delight at the arrest news later in the day.
According to McGrath, “We’re pleased that an arrest has been made. When it comes to bringing this case to an end, “the investigation is still ongoing, but the Shelton police department has been just extremely supportive and helpful.”
In the aftermath of his son’s fatal stabbing at a “friendly get-together” among teens, his father refused to discuss the details. Because of the ongoing investigation and the suspect’s “right to due process,” McGrath stated that he would not comment further. There will be no further discussion until he says so.
The teen suspect will be arraigned in New Haven Juvenile Court on Wednesday. The case will then be sent to a court in Milford after he appears in adult court on Thursday in Derby, according to the police.
Four teenagers were found stabbed outside a home in Shelton on Saturday, and Shelton detectives are still investigating. Sadly, 17-year-old McGrath, a junior at Fairfield College Preparatory School, died as a result of his injuries after being rushed to the hospital. WTIC reports that Shelton police have spoken to the three other survivors.
According to his obituary, Jimmy McGrath was a two-sport star in high school, participating in both lacrosse and football. “Many described Jim as a wonderfully happy person with a big heart who was a loving friend to many. “He adored Fairfield Prep and did exceptionally well in every sport he participated in.”
Fairfield Prep’s president addressed students and staff at a private prayer service on Sunday that drew more than 1,000 people, according to the Connecticut Post.
Fairfield Prep President Christian Cashman prayed for the Class of 2023’s Jimmy McGrath, who “will always be a man for others and a son of Fairfield Prep.” A memorial fund-raiser for McGrath had raised more than $109,000 by Wednesday.
On Friday morning, at 11 a.m., McGrath’s funeral will be held in Trumbull, Connecticut, with a private burial following. At Fairfield University’s Egan Chapel of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, there will be a walk-through visitation a day earlier.