A 20-year-old Connecticut man is behind bars after allegedly confessing during a 911 call that he killed his mother at their home in New Canaan. Police identified the suspect as Sebastian Van Stockum. He was arrested on Friday, October 24, and charged with murder, according to the New Canaan Police arrest log.
Officers were first alerted around 10:36 p.m. after receiving reports of a man shouting in the woods near Gerdes Road. While responding, dispatchers received a separate 911 call from a man who stated that he had “killed his mother,” according to police records.
When officers arrived at the residence, they found a woman suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite efforts by police and emergency medical responders to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not been publicly released, as per People.
Police immediately identified Van Stockum as the suspect and took him into custody without incident. He has been charged with murder and is currently being held on a $2 million bond. Court records show he is expected to appear before a judge on Monday, October 27.
In his booking photo, Van Stockum appeared with scratches and blood on his face, suggesting a possible struggle before or after the fatal attack.
“As this incident is domestic in nature, no further information will be released,” the New Canaan Police Department stated in its arrest log. Authorities have not yet disclosed how the woman was killed or what may have led to the confrontation. It remains unclear whether Van Stockum has hired an attorney to represent him or entered a plea.
The quiet, affluent town of New Canaan has been shaken by the tragedy. Known for its scenic neighborhoods and wealthy residents, the community has been home to several high-profile figures, including Harry Connick Jr., David Letterman, and Paul Simon.
The killing recalls another headline-grabbing case from the same town. In 2019, New Canaan mother of five Jennifer Dulos disappeared, sparking a nationwide search and years of legal proceedings. Her husband, Fotis Dulos, was accused of murdering her but died by suicide before the case went to trial.
His former girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, was later convicted of conspiracy in the case and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Jennifer Dulos was officially declared dead in 2023. Police continue to investigate the latest New Canaan homicide, while Van Stockum remains in custody as the court prepares to hear the case.