Stepmother Arrested After Emaciated Man Reveals 20-Year Captivity

A man from Connecticut alleged that he was held captive for two decades and was rescued after setting fire to his room in a desperate bid for liberation, according to police on Wednesday.

The man’s stepmother, who owns the residence, now faces charges including cruelty and kidnapping.

As per the Waterbury Police Department, the woman called 911 to report a fire on February 17 at approximately 8:40 p.m. She managed to exit the house without injury, police indicated.

The Waterbury Fire Department subsequently discovered the 32-year-old man—who was severely malnourished—confined in an upstairs room. While being treated for smoke inhalation, he confided that he had intentionally ignited the fire.

“I wanted my freedom,” he told authorities, revealing he had been imprisoned for over 20 years, with his nightmare beginning when he was around 11 years old.

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Investigators also found that the man had been given only sparse amounts of food and water, leading to his “extremely malnourished condition.”

Additionally, he had been denied medical and dental attention throughout this period.

“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable,” remarked Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo.

“This case demanded relentless investigative effort, and I commend our officers’ dedication, along with that of the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office. Their unwavering commitment has ensured that justice is served and that the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes.”

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has been identified as the man’s stepmother. She was arrested on March 12 and faces charges that include assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty, and reckless endangerment. Sullivan appeared in court on Wednesday and is currently being held on a $300,000 bond.

“This victim, who is 31 years old, stands at 5’9” and weighs just 68 pounds,” the prosecution stated during the court session. “He had a body mass index of 11 percent, which is classified as life-threatening when below 13 percent. He was in the stages of dying.”

Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, asserted that his client was “stunned by the allegations” and denies them.

“What she conveyed to me is that those claims are absolutely false, and as we obtain more information, we intend to mount a vigorous defense,” Kaloidis commented. “She firmly asserts that she did not commit the alleged actions.”

He noted that he was still gathering information and could not immediately confirm whether anyone else resides in the home.

“I urge people not to rush to judgment,” Kaloidis added. “This woman is presumed innocent.”

Spagnolo mentioned that police had visited the home in 2005 for a welfare check after a few friends of the victim expressed concern because they hadn’t seen him in a while. Police spoke with the victim but found no cause for alarm at that time.

The family later lodged a complaint with the police concerning perceived harassment from the Department of Children and Families regarding concerns about the child.

A former principal has stepped forward, claiming that the child appeared malnourished and was observed drinking from urinals in school, adding that he had alerted the police. Spagnolo stated there was no record of the principal notifying law enforcement.

He also mentioned that the boy has two siblings who have moved out of the house, and that a significant fear of “retaliation” had kept the situation hidden.

“So far, the evidence collected and information received indicates that Kimberly Sullivan is the only responsible party,” Spagnolo confirmed.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

From NTD News