Trial Verdict in Death of Jimmy McGrath

A jury of 12 members found Raul Barre not guilty of murder on Wednesday following the death of 17-year-old Jimmy McGrath in May 2022. The jury began its deliberations on Monday and declared the verdict two days later, dismissing several charges, including reckless manslaughter.

Barre, who was 16 during the incident, claimed he acted in self-defense when a fight broke out at a party on May 14. Prosecutors alleged that he stabbed four individuals, including McGrath and three others—Ryan Heinz, Faison Teal, and Thomas Connery.

According to reports, about 1.8 liters of blood were found in McGrath’s lungs following the event. Law enforcement responded to numerous 911 calls that night and discovered several victims in the front yard.

During the trial, prosecutors stated that Barre stabbed Heinz three times and injured Connery and Teal as well. Barre claimed he was attacked by approximately 20 people during the altercation.

In his testimony, Barre maintained he had no intention of killing anyone, asserting that he brandished a knife amidst the chaos of the fight involving numerous teenagers. Ultimately, he was acquitted of two first-degree assault charges related to Connery and Heinz, along with a second-degree assault charge concerning Teal.

If convicted on all counts, Barre could have faced a 105-year sentence, but he opted for a trial instead of accepting a plea deal that would have resulted in a 40-year sentence.