NEW CANAAN, CT – A young man from New Canaan appeared in court Tuesday, accused of murdering his mother in their home. Sebastian Van Stockham, 20, faced a judge on charges related to the death of Laura Williams. The case has left the community in shock, as details remain limited.
Van Stockham, who graduated from New Canaan High School earlier this year, has no previous criminal record. During his brief court appearance, he kept his head down, facing the serious charges against him. Authorities allege that he carried out a violent attack on his mother last Friday night.
Police discovered Williams’ body at their Gertie Road residence after Van Stockham allegedly called 911 to confess. Officers had initially been alerted to a disturbance involving a man yelling in the woods nearby. Shortly afterward, Van Stockham’s call led them to the tragic scene.
Van Stockham was arrested and charged with murder, with bail set at $2 million. The community is grappling with the unexpected nature of the crime, as many struggle to comprehend how such a tragedy could occur.
Attorney Phil Russell represented Van Stockham for the bond hearing but did not comment on any potential mental health issues. Van Stockham’s father attended the arraignment but declined to speak with reporters.
Flowers were placed on the porch of the family home on Monday, a somber tribute to Williams. Police have refrained from releasing further details, citing the case’s sensitive nature as a domestic violence incident.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that Williams died from blunt force trauma to the head, officially ruling the death a homicide. The judge maintained the $2 million bond, stipulating that any release would require a courthouse hearing to determine conditions.