Two arrested in death of West Pawlet man

Suspects charged with first-degree murder and assault and robbery in 2025 attack

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an August 2025 assault in West Pawlet, Vermont that led to the death of 54-year-old victim Mark Ray in November 2025. Richard J. Mattison, 42, of Poultney, Vermont was charged with first-degree murder and assault and robbery, while Stephen J. Williams Jr., 38, of Granville, New York was charged with assault and robbery.

Why it matters

The arrests bring some closure to a tragic case that saw a West Pawlet man die from injuries sustained in an assault, highlighting the need for thorough investigations and accountability for violent crimes in Vermont communities.

The details

According to the Vermont State Police, the assault on Mark Ray occurred on August 24, 2025 at the Newmont Slate Quarry in West Pawlet. Ray was transported from the scene with life-threatening injuries and later died on November 12, 2025 at Albany Medical Center in New York. An autopsy determined the cause of death was pneumonia and severe traumatic brain injury due to the assault. Police arrested Mattison on February 18, 2026 in Wells, Vermont and Williams on February 13, 2026 in Granville, New York on charges related to the attack.

  • The assault on Mark Ray occurred on August 24, 2025.
  • Ray died on November 12, 2025 at Albany Medical Center.
  • Mattison was arrested on February 18, 2026 in Wells, Vermont.
  • Williams was arrested on February 13, 2026 in Granville, New York.

The players

Mark Ray

A 54-year-old man from West Pawlet, Vermont who died from injuries sustained in an assault.

Richard J. Mattison

A 42-year-old man from Poultney, Vermont who was charged with first-degree murder and assault and robbery in connection with the attack on Mark Ray.

Stephen J. Williams Jr.

A 38-year-old man from Granville, New York who was charged with assault and robbery in connection with the attack on Mark Ray.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Thursday, February 19 whether or not to allow Richard J. Mattison out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and holding violent offenders accountable in order to provide justice for victims and their families in Vermont communities.