Connecticut Woman Charged with Starving Stepson and Holding Him Captive for Over 20 Years | US News
A woman from Connecticut has appeared in court, facing charges for allegedly keeping her stepson captive for over twenty years and denying him adequate food.
The police chief of Waterbury characterized the incident as “one of the most horrific acts of inhumanity” he has witnessed in his 33 years of service.
When authorities found the 32-year-old man, he was described as “extremely emaciated, with matted hair, unclean, and all of his teeth appeared to be decayed,” according to a statement from the Waterbury Police Department.
Police responded to a house fire on February 17, where they discovered the man—whose name has not been disclosed—who had been exposed to “long-term abuse, hunger, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment.”
Kimberly Sullivan with her attorney Jason Spilka during a court hearing on Thursday in Waterbury, Connecticut. Pic: Hearst Connecticut Media/AP
According to police, he intentionally ignited a fire in the residence owned by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, in a bid to escape and seek help.
“I wanted my freedom,” he reportedly told officers, as per a witness statement.
The stepmother faces charges of kidnapping, cruelty, and other offenses.
She has pleaded not guilty, according to her lawyer, and was released from custody on Thursday after appearing before Waterbury Superior Court and posting bail set at $300,000 (£232,000).
Medical evaluations revealed the man was near starvation; at 5 feet 9 inches tall, he weighed just 69 pounds (31 kg), police reported.
Investigators found that he had been given only minimal food and water, which contributed to his severely malnourished state, the police stated.
Kimberly Sullivan charged with kidnapping and cruelty on Wednesday. Pic: Waterbury Police Department/AP
Authorities indicated that the man’s father passed away last year, and his biological mother has not been part of his life.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo mentioned that the man was treated for smoke inhalation and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
He stated, “After 33 years in law enforcement, this is likely one of the most horrific acts of inhumanity I’ve ever encountered.”
The man recounted to authorities that he had been homeschooled starting around the fourth grade (approximately ages 9 or 10) and had been confined to a locked room measuring 8 by 9 feet since he was about 11 years old.
The residence of Kimberly Sullivan in Waterbury, where her stepson started a fire. Pic: Hearst Connecticut Media/AP
He mentioned that he was allowed out in the mornings for a duration of 15 minutes to two hours to perform chores before being locked away again. His daily meals consisted of two sandwiches and the equivalent of two small bottles of water.
The last time he recalled leaving the property was nearly 20 years ago when he was 14 or 15 years old.
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Law enforcement is investigating how this situation could develop unnoticed and whether any indicators were overlooked. They intend to review records from local schools and the state child welfare agency.
Safe Haven, a local charity providing emergency shelter and support, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the man, surpassing half of the $14,000 (£10,810) goal.
The contributions will assist him with medical and dental treatment, housing, counseling, therapy, and legal expenses.
