Cause Of New Canaan Woman's Death Released By Office Of Chief Medical Examiner

NEW CANAAN, CT — Days after a woman was killed in New Canaan, the cause and manner of her death have been released by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

In an email Monday, the office confirmed the cause of Laura Williams' death as "blunt injuries of head," and the manner as "homicide."

The identity of the woman has not been officially released by New Canaan police, however the OCME confirmed Williams' cause and manner of death. A request for comment from police was not immediately returned Monday.

The New Canaan Advertiser reports Williams owns a New Canaan home that matches the address of Sebastian Van Stockum, 20, who police said was charged with murder after telling police he killed his mother late Friday night in New Canaan.

Williams' ex-husband also confirmed to the New Canaan Advertiser that Van Stockum is Williams' son. (The full New Canaan Advertiser story can be viewed here.)

New 12 Connecticut reports Stamford State's Attorney Paul Ferencek said during Van Stockum's arraignment Monday the woman was "bludgeoned to death" and told the court the incident was "an especially violent murder."

An attorney representing Van Stockum for bond purposes said Monday it would be premature for anyone to rush to judgement as there were still "an awful lot of loose ends" in the case, according to News 12 Connecticut. (The full News 12 Connecticut story can be viewed here.)

In a news release over the weekend, Police Lt. Marc DeFelice said officers were called to the area of South Avenue and Gerdes Road around 10:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a man's voice yelling from the woods.

As officers responded to the area, New Canaan police dispatch received a 911 call from a man at a Gerdes Road home stating he killed his mother, according to DeFelice.

Arriving officers immediately developed probable cause and identified Van Stockum as a suspect, DeFelice said.

Officers and New Canaan EMS attempted to perform life-saving measures for the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to DeFelice.

Van Stockum was charged with murder and remains in police custody on a $2 million bond, DeFelice said.

DeFelice said New Canaan police are actively investigating the incident with assistance from the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crimes.

He also noted the incident is isolated and there is no danger to public safety.