Milford

Teen’s Fatal Stabbing at Milford House Party Leaves Jury Deadlocked as Defense Claims Self-Defense

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MILFORD, Conn. — A jury is set to continue its deliberations in the case of a teen from Shelton who is accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old James McGrath, a student from Fairfield Prep, during a house party in 2022. The events surrounding McGrath’s death and the injuries of three others have left the community grappling with the aftermath. Jurors indicated their struggles with reaching a verdict on both Monday and Tuesday, stating their deliberations had reached a standstill. The case has drawn intense attention, highlighting concerns about youth violence and safety in social gatherings. The … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks ICE’s Last-Minute Attempt to Transfer Milford High Student Ahead of Immigration Hearing

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MILFORD, Mass. — A federal judge has halted a last-minute effort by immigration officials to relocate an 18-year-old Milford High School student just one day before his scheduled court appearance on immigration matters. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole denied a request from government attorneys seeking to transfer Marcelo Gomes Da Silva to another state after previously instructing that any relocation must allow for a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. According to court documents, motions for transfer and notification were submitted by Patricia Hyde, acting Field Office Director for Boston’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along … Read more

Exoneree Fights to Uphold $5.7 Million Verdict Against New Milford, Citing Judicial Precedent and Evidence of Misconduct

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Bridgeport, Conn. — A man recently exonerated after spending three decades in prison has urged a federal judge to dismiss a Connecticut town’s attempt to overturn a $5.7 million award associated with evidence fabrication. Ralph “Ricky” Birch contended in a filing that the evidence presented in his favor supports his claims and that the town’s previous defeat in an appellate court strengthens his case. In a legal response submitted to U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden, Birch emphasized that under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, federal judges can only nullify jury verdicts under specific … Read more

Jury Awards $5.7 Million to Man Wrongfully Imprisoned for 1985 Murder in New Milford

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NEW MILFORD, Conn. — A federal court has ordered a significant monetary award to a man who spent decades behind bars for a murder he did not commit. On Wednesday, Ralph “Ricky” Birch, who was wrongfully convicted in 1989, was awarded $5.7 million by a jury for the injustice he suffered. The U.S. District Court ruled in favor of Birch, marking a significant turn in a legal battle against the town of New Milford, which began when he filed his lawsuit in 2020. Birch, alongside co-defendant Shawn Henning, had been convicted in the 1985 murder … Read more