Teacher in testimony recalls Thomas Valva looking ‘frail’ and bruised in class

Thomas Valva's second-grade teacher Michelle Cagliano took the stand for the first time, as did Christine MacQarrie, who works with the school he attended and was employed by the Institute for Children With Autism.

News 12 Staff

Oct 17, 2022, 11:25 PM

Updated 726 days ago

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The trial of a former NYPD officer accused of killing his 8-year-old son resumed Monday with new testimony.
Thomas Valva's second-grade teacher Michelle Cagliano took the stand for the first time, as did Christine MacQarrie, who works with the school he attended and was employed by the Institute for Children With Autism.
Cagliano recalled Valva always looking "frail" and "hungry." One specific time, she said he did not eat all day and added there were incidents such as him eating crumbs off the floor and eating out of the garbage. Cagliano also noticed there were times Valva often came into class with bruises.
MacQarrie said in March 2019 she went to the Valva home for a parent training meeting. She told the court she gave tips on how to help Thomas and was excited that she would be able to help with the issue of bathroom accidents.
Valva's father, Michael, emailed MacQarrie following that meeting to say her services were no longer needed.
Valva, who was autistic, died in January 2020 after spending a night in an unheated garage last when the temperature outside dropped to just 19 degrees.