Sebastian Van Stockum remains held on $2 million bond while discovery proceeds.
NEW CANAAN, Conn. — The New Canaan man accused of killing his mother has waived a probable cause hearing, a routine but significant step that keeps the murder charge on track without an early evidence challenge, officials said after Friday’s court session in Stamford.
The case centers on the death of Laura Williams, 56, who authorities say was bludgeoned outside her Gerdes Road home in late October. Police said her son, 20-year-old Sebastian Van Stockum, called 911 and admitted to the attack, then was taken into custody near the house. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt-force head injuries. With the waiver, prosecutors will move directly into discovery and pretrial scheduling while detectives continue forensic testing and interview follow-ups.
At his first appearance in October, Van Stockum stood in a white Tyvek suit as State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek described the killing as “especially violent.” Since then, court records show the bond has remained at $2 million and the charge unchanged. A probable cause hearing typically allows a judge to review whether the state has enough evidence to proceed on a murder count; defense attorney Philip Russell declined to contest that issue now. The judge accepted the waiver Friday and set the case down for a status conference later this month.
Police accounts describe a chaotic Friday night: neighbors reported a man shouting in nearby woods; minutes later, a caller identifying himself as Van Stockum told dispatchers he had killed his mother. Officers arrived to find Williams gravely injured. Despite CPR, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators documented blood evidence and collected household tools for testing, according to filings referenced in open court. Officials have not released a possible motive, and they say no other suspects are being sought. State police major crimes detectives are assisting New Canaan officers with evidence processing.
Williams was an antiques dealer remembered by relatives for her drive and creativity. Public records indicate she had lived in several states before settling in New Canaan. Community members placed flowers along the road the weekend after her death, and a small vigil drew neighbors, former classmates of Van Stockum, and local clergy. The killing—rare in the town—has figured prominently in conversations at schools, coffee shops and houses of worship, residents said in recent days.
Legally, the waiver keeps the case within the standard felony track. Prosecutors will share recordings, reports and any lab results as they are finalized. The defense may file motions to suppress statements or evidence later, along with any requests for mental health evaluations. If there is no plea, the court would set a formal plea, motions schedule and, eventually, a trial date. Any competency evaluation, if requested, would be addressed at a future hearing.
On Monday, Van Stockum remained jailed on the murder charge pending the next hearing in Stamford Superior Court. The coming status conference is expected to focus on discovery logistics and timelines for forensic reports.
Author note: Last updated January 5, 2026.