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In a heartbreaking and chilling case, a young man from Connecticut, aged 20, stands accused of the horrific crime of murdering his mother. This week, he made his initial appearance in court, facing the somber reality of the charges laid against him.
Sebastian Van Stockum, the accused, appeared for a brief session at Stamford Superior Court, where he confronted the serious charge of murder in the tragic death of his mother, 55-year-old Laura Williams.
During this court proceeding, as reported by News 8, Van Stockum made a request for a public defender, highlighting his need for legal representation. Additionally, he sought the services of an optometrist, indicating a need for eyeglasses, which suggests a concern for his ability to fully engage with the court process.
The gruesome incident unfolded on October 24 in the quiet town of New Canaan. It is alleged that Van Stockum used a hammer to fatally attack his mother in her home, located near the intersection of South Avenue and Gerdes Road.
The local police were alerted to the scene at 10:36 p.m. through a 911 call. The call was made by an individual who reported hearing desperate cries of “mama” coming from a wooded area close to the residence, a haunting echo of the night’s grim events.
At 10:40 p.m., Van Stockum contacted 911 himself and cried that he had killed his mother.
“I want to turn myself in. I just killed my mom, and I don’t know why I did it,” he reportedly said.
Police arrived to find a “a hammer covered in blood” in the driveway. When they detained Van Stockum, he admitted that he also used his hands and knife while beating Williams.
“I tried using a knife, I tried using a hammer and I used my fists,” he reportedly told investigators.
First responders pronounced Williams deceased at the scene. A police report indicated that she died from blunt force injuries and had a cracked skull.
“This was an especially violent murder. The victim was found bludgeoned to death with extreme trauma to their skull,” Norwalk Judicial District State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek said, according to WFSB.
A judge ordered Van Stockum to be held on a $2 million bond. A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for January 2, 2026.
DailyMail reports that Van Stockum is the son of New York restaurateur, Dirk Van Stockum.
Williams’ brother, David Williams, who described her as self-made and driven, told the Stamford Advocate that mother and son would often argue over “what he should be doing,” although “she supported him in everything.”
He also said Laura Williams was a “talented writer and artist” who previously worked as an editor for a Los Angeles movie production company. She later moved to New York, met the defendant’s father, and worked for the Seagram Company.
At the time of her death, Williams, a single mother, was a high-end antiques dealer, working from home.
[Feature Photo: Sebastian Van Stockum/Instagram; Laura Williams/Family Handout]