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West Pawlet Today
By the People, for the People
Two Arrested in Connection to 2025 Vermont Homicide
Suspects charged with assault, robbery, and murder in death of West Pawlet man
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Vermont State Police have arrested two individuals, Richard J. Mattison and Stephen J. Williams Jr., in connection with the 2025 death of a 53-year-old West Pawlet man, Mark Ray. Ray died from pneumonia and severe traumatic brain injuries sustained during an alleged assault and robbery at the Newmont Slate Quarry.
Why it matters
Homicides are rare in the small town of West Pawlet, Vermont, so this case has garnered significant attention from local law enforcement and the community. The arrests come over 6 months after the initial incident, indicating a thorough investigation by state police.
The details
On August 24, 2025, Vermont State Police responded to the Newmont Slate Quarry for a suspicious incident. When troopers arrived, they found that Mark Ray had been transported from the scene to Albany Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Ray later died, and his death was ruled a homicide caused by pneumonia and severe traumatic brain injury due to assault. On February 18, 2026, police arrested 42-year-old Richard J. Mattison. Another suspect, 38-year-old Stephen J. Williams Jr., was already in custody in New York for unrelated crimes and is expected to be extradited to Vermont. Mattison and Williams Jr. are charged with assault and robbery, while Mattison faces an additional charge of murder.
- On August 24, 2025, Vermont State Police responded to the Newmont Slate Quarry for a suspicious incident.
- On February 18, 2026, police located and arrested Richard J. Mattison.
- Stephen J. Williams Jr. was already in custody in New York for unrelated crimes and is expected to be extradited to Vermont.
The players
Mark Ray
A 53-year-old man from West Pawlet, Vermont who died from pneumonia and severe traumatic brain injuries sustained during an alleged assault and robbery.
Richard J. Mattison
A 42-year-old man who was arrested and charged with assault, robbery, and murder in connection to Ray's death.
Stephen J. Williams Jr.
A 38-year-old man who was already in custody in New York for unrelated crimes and is expected to be extradited to Vermont to face charges related to Ray's death.
What’s next
Mattison is being held without bail pending his arraignment on February 19th. Williams Jr. is expected to be extradited to Vermont at a later date to face charges.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the importance of thorough investigations by law enforcement, even in small communities, to bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice. The arrests, over 6 months after the initial incident, demonstrate the diligence of the Vermont State Police in pursuing this homicide case.
