New Canaan, CT – A 20-year-old Connecticut man has been charged with murdering his mother in what authorities described as a “especially violent attack” involving a knife, hammer, and his own fists. Police say the man, identified as Sebastian Van Stockum, called 911 immediately after the killing, tearfully confessing and saying he “didn’t know why” he did it.
The Incident: A Brutal Murder and a Chilling 911 Call
The attack occurred late Friday night at a home on Gerdes Road in New Canaan, Connecticut. Police responded to the residence shortly after 10:30 p.m. following multiple reports of a man in the woods yelling “mama.”
At nearly the same time, Van Stockum called 911, admitting to killing his 55-year-old mother.
“I want to turn myself in,” he told dispatchers, sobbing. “I just killed my mom, and I don’t know why I did it.”
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim lying a few feet from her driveway in a pool of blood. A bloodied hammer was discovered near her body, and the woman had suffered “extreme trauma to the skull,” according to police reports.
Van Stockum emerged from the home covered in blood, wearing only a T-shirt and pajama pants. Officers immediately placed him under arrest.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Authorities say Van Stockum confessed to using a knife, a hammer, and his fists during the deadly assault. He reportedly told officers he was struggling with mental health problems, though no official motive has been confirmed.
His mug shot showed multiple scratches across his face, leading investigators to believe that his mother fought desperately for her life before succumbing to her injuries.
“This was an especially violent murder,” said State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek during the arraignment. “The victim was found bludgeoned to death with extreme trauma to her skull.”
According to a probable cause affidavit, paramedics at the scene overheard Van Stockum repeatedly expressing guilt.
“I deserve to suffer,” he allegedly said while being treated in the ambulance.
Court Proceedings and Legal Developments
Van Stockum appeared before a judge in Norwalk Judicial District Court on Monday to face a murder charge. He is currently being held at a state correctional facility on a $2 million bond.
During the arraignment, prosecutors emphasized the gruesome nature of the crime and the evidence of premeditation, noting that Van Stockum retrieved multiple weapons to carry out the killing.
His defense attorney, Philip Russell, called the event a “terrible shock” and urged the public not to rush to judgment.
“Nobody anticipated this or foresaw this,” Russell said. “At this point, there are a lot of loose ends. It would be premature for anyone to jump to conclusions. Obviously, this is a tragic situation.”
The court has ordered a full mental health evaluation to determine whether Van Stockum was suffering from psychological distress or impairment at the time of the killing. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
Statements and Reactions from Officials
Law enforcement officials and local residents have described the case as one of the most disturbing domestic homicides in recent memory for the quiet Fairfield County community.
Neighbors told investigators they heard shouting and banging before police arrived, but none could have imagined the severity of the crime.
Authorities are still withholding the victim’s name out of respect for the family, though they confirmed she had lived in the Gerdes Road home for several years and had no known history of domestic violence reports.
Background Context: Rising Mental Health Concerns
Cases like Van Stockum’s have reignited discussions about mental health intervention and early warning signs of violent behavior among young adults. Experts note that domestic killings involving children and parents often stem from untreated psychological disorders or sudden emotional breaks.
Mental health advocates have urged families to seek professional help when noticing changes in behavior, mood instability, or aggression, emphasizing that early therapy and crisis intervention can sometimes prevent tragedies like this one.
Ongoing Developments and What Comes Next
Investigators are now analyzing forensic evidence, including blood samples, weapon fingerprints, and digital communications, to better understand the timeline of the attack. Authorities expect to release further updates following the completion of the autopsy and psychiatric evaluations.
Prosecutors confirmed that Van Stockum faces a potential life sentence without parole if convicted of first-degree murder.
Conclusion
The violent killing of a mother by her own son has left New Canaan residents stunned and raised questions about the intersection of mental health and violent crime. As the investigation unfolds, prosecutors and defense attorneys alike acknowledge that the case represents a deeply tragic event for all involved.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Share your opinions in the comments below.
