The question “Is Raul Valle out on bail?” continues to trend as the legal journey of one of Connecticut’s most high-profile murder trials takes a new turn. On July 10, 2025, a jury found 20-year-old Raul Valle not guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old James McGrath, as well as the stabbings of three others at a 2022 party in Shelton. However, Valle’s legal status remains complicated following a partial verdict.
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Raul Valle’s Bail Status Explained
Valle was released on a $2 million bond shortly after his arrest in May 2022. Since then, he has remained out of custody under strict conditions, including a ban on internet access—later modified to allow communication with his legal team. He also formally entered a not guilty plea early in the case, and these bail conditions stayed in place throughout a trial that faced numerous delays.
Despite being out on bail, Valle’s freedom has been closely monitored, and the nature of the partial verdict raises questions about how long that will continue.
Partial Verdict Reached in Valle Trial
After days of deliberation, the jury delivered a partial verdict, finding Valle not guilty of murder, manslaughter, and assault. However, they could not reach a unanimous decision on several remaining charges. As a result, the judge declared a mistrial on:
- First-degree reckless manslaughter in McGrath’s death
- First-degree reckless assault in the stabbings of Heinz and Connery
- Second-degree reckless assault in Teele’s stabbing
These unresolved charges leave the door open for a potential retrial.
What Happened at the Shelton Party?
The charges against Valle stem from a violent altercation at a house party in Shelton in May 2022. During the incident, James McGrath, a student at Fairfield Prep, was fatally stabbed, and three others were injured. Valle, who was 16 at the time, admitted to the stabbings but claimed self-defense.
He was charged with one count of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and one count of second-degree assault. A conviction on the murder charge alone could have meant a sentence of up to 60 years.
Trial Delays and Defense Strategy
The case has faced numerous legal delays, pushing the trial well into 2025. Valle’s legal team rejected a 40-year plea deal and chose to take the case to trial. Throughout, he maintained his not guilty plea, asserting that the incident was not premeditated murder but rather a tragic escalation.
Despite the not guilty verdict on the top charges, the mistrial on lesser counts leaves the case partially unresolved.
What’s Next for Raul Valle?
While Valle has been cleared of the most severe charges, his future remains uncertain. Prosecutors now have to decide whether to retry him on the charges where the jury deadlocked. In the meantime, Valle remains free on his original $2 million bond unless the court modifies his bail conditions or revokes it based on further proceedings.
The case continues to capture public attention, with extensive media coverage and strong emotions on all sides. For now, Valle is still out on bail, but the unresolved charges mean the legal chapter is not yet closed.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as this closely followed case moves toward its next phase.
