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.

A 17-year-old girl was shot and killed in Waterbury early Friday morning. Officers responded to Willow Street around 2:48 a.m. when they received a report of gunshots and they found the teen outside suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries, police said. Police have not released her name, but said she lived in Waterbury. Based on the preliminary investigation, police believe there was a disturbance outside that several people were involved in, which led to the shooting. They are continuing to investigate. The superintendent of schools in Waterbury released the statement he sent to the Enlightenment School Community. “It is with profound sadness that I share the tragic loss of one of our students at Enlightenment School. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time,” Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz wrote.  He said that support services and counseling will be available for students on Friday, from noon to 3 p.m. and the Wellmore Mobile Crisis is available.  “Please join me in thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time together,” Schwartz added. The Waterbury Police Department’s Major Crimes Detectives is investigating the shooting as a homicide. Anyone with information is urged to call the Waterbury Police Department Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at (203) 755-1234.