Late on the night of October 24, 2025, the quiet community of New Canaan, Connecticut was shaken by a tragedy that has left residents searching for answers. At approximately 10:36 p.m., police were called to the intersection of South Avenue and Gerdes Road after reports of a man yelling from the woods, according to FOX61 and several other local news outlets. The nature of the disturbance was unclear at first, but within minutes, the situation escalated in a way that few could have anticipated.
While officers were en route to the scene, dispatchers received a chilling 911 call from a man at a home on Gerdes Road. The caller, later identified as Sebastian Van Stockum, told police he had killed his mother. This confession set off a rapid response from both police and emergency medical personnel, who raced to the address in hopes of saving a life.
Upon arrival, officers and EMS found the victim—whose identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin, as reported by NBC Connecticut and WFSB. First responders immediately attempted life-saving measures, but despite their efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The sense of shock among those present was palpable, with one official describing the scene as "deeply distressing." The reality of the situation set in quickly: a domestic tragedy had unfolded in the heart of New Canaan.
Police swiftly identified Sebastian Van Stockum as the suspect. Accounts from the Hartford Courant and WTNH confirm that Van Stockum, 20 years old, was taken into custody without incident. Authorities established probable cause based on his confession and the evidence found at the scene. He was charged with murder and is currently being held on a $2 million bond, a detail consistently reported across all major local news sources covering the story.
The investigation into the incident is being led by New Canaan Police, with significant assistance from the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crimes Unit. Lt. Marc J. DeFelice of the New Canaan Police Department stated in a news release that detectives are treating the case as a domestic violence murder. "This is an isolated incident and there is no danger to public safety," DeFelice emphasized, seeking to reassure a community rattled by the news.
In the aftermath, police have reiterated that the tragedy appears to be a contained, domestic matter. "Officials said there is no danger to the public," reported WFSB, echoing the statements made by law enforcement. The repeated assertion that the incident is isolated has been designed to calm nerves in a town unaccustomed to such violence. Residents, while shocked, have expressed gratitude for the swift and transparent response by local authorities.
Details about what led up to the incident remain scarce. The victim’s identity is being withheld until all next of kin can be notified. Police have not released further information about the circumstances leading to the killing, nor have they commented on any possible motive. This silence has fueled speculation, but officials have asked the public for patience as the investigation continues. "No further details were released," WFSB noted, adding that updates would be provided as they become available.
Domestic violence, while often hidden behind closed doors, is a persistent issue in communities across the United States. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. While the specifics of the New Canaan case are not yet public, the tragedy underscores the importance of awareness and intervention in domestic situations—no matter how peaceful a community may seem on the surface.
New Canaan, a town known for its affluence and tranquility, has rarely seen incidents of this magnitude. The murder has left many residents grappling with disbelief. "It’s hard to imagine something like this happening here," said one local resident, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. The incident has also prompted renewed conversations about mental health resources and support systems for families in crisis.
As the investigation unfolds, police are urging anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward. They have also assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. According to NBC Connecticut, "Detectives are continuing to investigate with help from the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crimes Unit." The collaborative nature of the investigation is intended to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
Meanwhile, the community is left to mourn and reflect. The loss of life under such circumstances is always a source of pain and confusion, and the fact that it occurred within a family only deepens the sense of tragedy. Support services have been made available to those affected, and local organizations are working to provide counseling and assistance to anyone in need.
The court process for Sebastian Van Stockum will likely unfold in the coming weeks and months. As of now, he remains in custody on a $2 million bond, facing one count of murder. The legal proceedings will be closely watched, not only by those in New Canaan but by observers throughout Connecticut who are seeking answers and, perhaps, some measure of closure.
For now, the quiet streets of New Canaan are tinged with sadness. The events of October 24, 2025, serve as a stark reminder that even the most peaceful places are not immune to tragedy. As police continue their work and as the community begins to heal, the hope is that lessons will be learned and that support for families in distress will be strengthened.
While many questions remain, what is clear is the resolve of both law enforcement and the community to address the situation with compassion and transparency. The coming days will undoubtedly bring more details, but for now, New Canaan stands united in grief—and in hope for healing.
