Connecticut Man Charged with Murder After Allegedly Bludgeoning Mother to Death with Hammer
November 1, 2025
NEW CANAAN, CONNECTICUT — A 20-year-old Connecticut man has been charged with murder after allegedly beating his mother to death with a hammer at their $2 million New Canaan home, authorities said. The suspect, Sebastian Van Stockum, reportedly called 911 to confess to the crime himself before running into the woods and yelling for his mother.
The New Canaan Police Department said officers were dispatched to the home shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, after receiving two calls. One report was of a man shouting "Mama" from the woods. While officers were en route, dispatch received a second 911 call from a man, identified as Van Stockum, who admitted he "just killed his mother".
The Arrest and Crime Scene
When officers arrived at the home, Van Stockum answered the door with blood covering his face, clothes, and hands. He was immediately arrested. A mugshot released by police shows his face covered in blood and scratches.
Laura Williams grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia, raised Sebastian as a single mother, and worked as a high-end antique dealer.
Police discovered the victim, 55-year-old Laura Williams, outside on the grass with devastating head wounds. According to police records, she suffered blunt-force trauma to the head and a cracked skull. A "hammer covered in blood" was found on the ground beside her. First responders attempted CPR, but Williams was pronounced deceased at the scene.
While being handcuffed, Van Stockum reportedly told officers, "I did it," and, "I took my mom’s life". He also allegedly told them he "tried using a knife, tried using a hammer, and used his fists," and stated he was "mentally unwell".
Court Appearance and Background
Van Stockum appeared at Stamford Superior Court on Monday, where he was charged with murder. A state attorney, Paul Ferencek, told the court it was looking at an "especially violent murder," noting the victim was "found bludgeoned to death with extreme trauma to their skull".
Defense lawyer Philip Russell, who represented Van Stockum at the bond hearing, called the situation "shocking" and "a tragic situation," adding it would be "premature for anyone to rush to judgment". Van Stockum is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled for his next court appearance on November 3.
Family members described Williams as a talented writer, artist, and antique dealer who had graduated from Georgetown University. She had raised Sebastian, her only son, as a single mother. The suspect's father, local restaurateur Dirk Van Stockum, was present in the courtroom but did not comment. Former classmates of Van Stockum, who graduated from New Canaan High School in 2023, described him as "socially awkward". If convicted, he faces a minimum of 25 years in prison.
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