Overview

• Prosecutors called 25 witnesses over nine days, including five who directly identified Valle as the person who stabbed James McGrath.
• Three surviving victims described multiple stab wounds and lasting physical and emotional trauma from the May 2022 party attack.
• Valle testified that he only intended to scare off other teens and defend a friend, insisting he did not realize he was stabbing anyone.
• The state granted immunity to two key witnesses in exchange for truthful testimony, a point contested by the defense during cross-examination.
• Defense attorney Kevin Smith argued the prosecution failed to prove intent to murder and has filed a motion for acquittal now awaiting Judge Murphy’s decision.