The attorney for Raul Valle defended a jury’s decision to acquit his client of murder and other charges in the stabbing death of 17-year-old James McGrath, saying they followed the law by rendering a not guilty verdict.

An attorney representing the slain teen’s family anticipates that state prosecutors will pursue lesser manslaughter and assault charges.

Valle, then 16, fatally stabbed 17-year-old James McGrath, 17, outside a house party in Shelton, but the jury found he acted in self-defense.