New Canaan man accused of killing mother offered 45-year plea deal
New Canaan police said Sebastian Van Stockum bludgeoned his mother to death at their home the night of Oct. 24, 2025, then called 911 and confessed to the crime.
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A possible resolution is on the table in the murder case against a New Canaan man accused of killing his mother.
During a hearing Monday at Stamford Superior Court, Assistant State's Attorney Michael Nemec revealed the state has offered Sebastian Van Stockum, 21, a plea agreement that would require him to serve 45 years in prison in exchange for pleading guilty to murder.
Van Stockum's public defender, Benjamin Aponte, requested additional time to discuss the offer with Van Stockum before his client makes a decision. The judge agreed and set a new court date of Dec. 7.
The development comes just over a year after the death of Van Stockum's mother, 55-year-old Laura Williams, whom New Canaan police said Van Stockum bludgeoned to death on Oct. 24, 2025.
Van Stockum has been in custody since that night when police responded to 12 Gerdes Road, the home where he lived with his mother. Officers found Williams dead on the ground outside, her skull cracked open and a hammer nearby, according to police reports from the incident.
Officers also discovered Van Stockum in the home with “blood smeared on his face, and a large amount of blood spatter on his T-shirt, pants and the palms of his hand,” the reports said.
"I did it," Van Stockum is quoted as saying to police. "I took my mom's life," adding, "I tried using a knife, I tried using a hammer and I used my fists."
According to the reports, Van Stockum was initially calm but then broke down crying, saying, “I was a problem ever since I was born. I don’t have time to take any pressure off me. I want all the pressure. I want to be crushed.”
The reports also said he told an officer he was not mentally well and later refused to give his name, stating, "I don't deserve to be named. I do deserve to be forgotten."
Police first responded to the area just after 10:20 p.m. after a call from a passerby of a man yelling "Mama" from the woods at the corner of Gerdes Road and South Avenue. While officers were en route, police said Van Stockum called 911 and confessed to killing his mom.
The 911 operator’s report said he stated, "I want to turn myself in," then started crying and said, "I just killed my mom, and I don't know why I did it."
The report went on to say that when the operator asked if Van Stockum had any weapons on him, he answered he didn't, except his "mental health."
Mental health is expected to be a major factor if the case heads to trial.
Van Stockum graduated from New Canaan High School in 2023 and has no prior criminal history.
PRIOR COVERAGE: New Canaan man accused of bludgeoning mom to death waives probable cause hearing
Police reports: New Canaan man confessed to using hammer, knife and fists to kill mom
‘Especially violent murder.’ Prosecutor says New Canaan man bludgeoned mom to death
