WASHINGTON CITY, Utah – Details emerged during a preliminary hearing for a 46-year-old Frederick Stephen Mattinson, a Washington City man charged with attempted murder following an incident at an Ivins resort last fall. The hearing, held at the 5th District Court in St. George, revealed the serious charges against Mattinson, including first-degree attempted murder and second-degree felony property damage.
According to court records, Santa Clara-Ivins Police officers responded to the scene at Red Mountain Spa in Ivins and found an injured woman in critical condition, leading to Mattinson’s arrest and subsequent booking into the Washington County Purgatory Correctional Facility. The aggravated assault charge was later amended to first-degree attempted murder, along with three misdemeanor drug charges.
Prosecutor Jerry Jaeger stated during the preliminary hearing that the enhanced charge of attempted murder was based on the extreme violence of the attack, leaving the victim gravely injured. Evidence presented, including a 911 call, indicated an intent to kill the victim, further supporting the serious charges against Mattinson.
The victim, who took the stand, detailed the extensive injuries she sustained, including fractures to her face and head, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatment. She described the impact of the assault on her life, including memory loss and debilitating fear and anxiety.
During the hearing, testimony from witnesses and police officers painted a grim picture of the violent incident, with evidence of a struggle and damaged property found at the scene. Detective Mike Pondoyo testified about the extensive damage to a door at the resort, indicating the severity of the incident.
Defense attorney James Wright argued for bail and treatment for Mattinson, highlighting his client’s ties to the community and family responsibilities. However, citing Mattinson’s criminal history and drug problems, as well as the seriousness of the charges, the judge ultimately ruled to keep Mattinson in custody without bail.
The case has been bound over for trial, underscoring the gravity of the charges against Mattinson. As the legal process unfolds, the community awaits further developments in this troubling case, with the victim’s harrowing testimony serving as a stark reminder of the impact of violent crime.