Martin Pleads Guilty In Stabbing Murder

WINSTED — An 18-year-old Winsted resident will spend the next 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and assault charges on Wednesday in front of Judge Richard Marano at Litchfield Superior Court.

Ray Martin was originally charged with murder after fatally stabbing Dustin Arigoni, 21, of Torrington at a New Year’s Eve party at 349 Stub Hollow Road on Dec. 31, 2006.

"There was a confrontation," said Martin’s defense attorney, Jason Lipsky. "After being struck several times by Mr. Arigoni, Mr. Martin used a knife. Mr. Arigoni unfortunately suffered fatal wounds.

"It was unfortunately a split-second decision in the course of defending himself and had very tragic consequences across the board," he added.

The Winsted Journal reported on Jan. 5, 2007, based on a witness statement, that Martin was "jumped by numerous people during the incident that led to the fatal stabbing."

At the time of the incident, Martin was enrolled in Northwestern High School’s STEP education program. He was not allowed to return to school after the incident and was unable to receive his high school diploma.

Pleading guilty to manslaughter in the first and assault in the first, Martin will face a "total effective sentence" of 30 years, 10 years suspended, and three years of probation.

Presently incarcerated at the Northern Corrections Institution in Somers, Lipsky is unsure where his client will spend the next 20 years of his life.

"Corrections completely decides that based on his own assessment and populations. I would expect that during the course of his incarceration he would switch facilities several times," said Lipsky.

According to Lipsky, Martin’s actions were made in self defense. While the state’s attorney, David Shepack, argued the contrary, Lipsky said there was no motive behind the stabbing.

"They had never met before that night," said Lipsky. "The fight escalated out of control and unfortunately had very tragic results."