According to police reports, two men have been charged in connection with an assault at the Newmont Slate Quarry in West Pawlet that led to the death of 54-year-old Mark Ray. The incident occurred on August 24, 2025, and Ray succumbed to his injuries on November 12, 2025.
Vermont State Police arrested Richard J. Mattison, 42, of Poultney, on February 18, 2026, on charges of first-degree murder, assault, and robbery. Mattison was apprehended at a residence in Wells and is currently held without bail at the Rutland barracks pending a scheduled arraignment at 12:30 p.m. on February 19 in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court.
Stephen J. Williams Jr., 38, of Granville, New York, was arrested on February 13, 2026, on related assault and robbery charges. He is currently in custody in New York and is expected to be extradited to Vermont.
The investigation by Vermont State Police remains active, and further details are expected to be released following Mattison’s arraignment. It is important to note that charges are allegations, and the legal process is ongoing. Court dates and charges may change as the case progresses.
Source: Vermont State Police
About this report AI-assisted
Source: Vermont State Police ↗
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All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges and court dates are subject to change. Reporting is based on information from law enforcement and public records, and will be updated as more details become available.
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