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West Pawlet Today
By the People, for the People
Two suspects arrested in fatal 2025 assault in West Pawlet
Vermont State Police make arrests in connection with attack that led to victim's death
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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The Vermont State Police have arrested two suspects in connection with an August 2025 assault in West Pawlet that led to the death of the victim, 54-year-old Mark Ray of West Pawlet, this past November. Richard J. Mattison, 42, of Poultney, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault and robbery, while Stephen J. Williams Jr., 38, of Granville, New York, has been charged with assault and robbery.
Why it matters
The arrests in this case bring some closure to the community after a violent attack that resulted in a local resident's death. The investigation highlights the persistence of Vermont State Police in pursuing justice for victims of serious crimes, even when it takes months to build a case.
The details
According to police, Mattison was arrested at a home in Wells, Vermont, and taken to the state police barracks in Rutland for processing. He was jailed without bail pending arraignment. Williams was arrested last week in Granville, New York, on charges related to burglaries and a Vermont warrant for assault and robbery. He is expected to be extradited to Vermont to face charges at a later date. The arrests came after a VSP investigation into the August 2025 assault of Ray at the Newmont Slate Quarry, which led to his death in November from related injuries.
- On Aug. 24, 2025, police received a report of a suspicious incident at the Newmont Slate Quarry in West Pawlet.
- On Nov. 12, 2025, the victim, 54-year-old Mark Ray of West Pawlet, died at Albany Medical Center in New York.
- On Feb. 12, 2026, Vermont arrest warrants were granted for the suspects.
- On Feb. 13, 2026, Stephen J. Williams Jr. was arrested in Granville, New York.
- On Feb. 18, 2026, Richard J. Mattison was arrested at a home in Wells, Vermont.
The players
Mark Ray
A 54-year-old resident of West Pawlet, Vermont, who died in November 2025 from injuries sustained in an assault.
Richard J. Mattison
A 42-year-old resident of Poultney, Vermont, who has been charged with first-degree murder and assault and robbery in connection with the attack on Ray.
Stephen J. Williams Jr.
A 38-year-old resident of Granville, New York, who has been charged with assault and robbery in connection with the attack on Ray.
What’s next
Mattison is scheduled to be arraigned at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Rutland. Williams is expected to be extradited to Vermont to face charges at a later date.
The takeaway
This case highlights the persistence of Vermont State Police in pursuing justice for victims of serious crimes, even when it takes months to build a case. The arrests bring some closure to the community after a violent attack that resulted in a local resident's death.
