Individual reportedly held in confinement by stepmother for over two decades manages to break free following house fire incidence.
A man in western Connecticut, allegedly held captive by his stepmother for over two decades, reportedly set his home ablaze to break free. According to authorities, this shocking incident unfolded in Waterbury on February 17.
In a police statement, the victim's stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, was able to safely evacuate, while her 32-year-old stepson, identified as "Male Victim 1," struggled due to smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire. Police believe he initiated the fire using household items such as hand sanitizer, printer paper, and a lighter amidst his desperate bid for freedom.
Based on a police affidavit and arrest warrant, obtained by CNN affiliate WFSB, the man was subjected to horrific conditions. He was reportedly confined to a tiny, eight-by-nine-foot room and fed meager rations of just two sandwiches a day with two cups of water for years.
The man, now weighing about 70 pounds at 5 feet, 9 inches, appeared extremely emaciated with all his rotten teeth. Despite his stepmother's denials, authorities allege that he had been held captive for over two decades, with extremely limited opportunities to leave his room and without any medical or dental care.
Sullivan was arrested and charged with several offenses, including assault, kidnapping, and cruelty. However, her attorney claims that these allegations are false and that Sullivan provided food, shelter, and didn't restrain the man in any way.
The man has been receiving medical care since his discovery. In interviews, he remembered his early years sneaking out at night for food and drink due to severe hunger. He was locked in his room after food wrappers he had eaten were found, leading to his being confined to his room and relying on others for food or stealing it from the garbage.
His alleged captivity became even more restrictive after his father's death, with the man reportedly being locked in his room for 22 to 24 hours a day, with plywood securing both sides of the door to prevent escape. This heart-wrenching case required extensive efforts from investigators, and the Waterbury Police Chief expressed his gratitude for their relentless work.
- The affidavit obtained by WFSB from Waterbury police revealed that the victim, Male Victim 1, was allegedly held captive by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, for over two decades.
- According to the police statement, upon his discovery, the victim was severely malnourished, weighing around 70 pounds, and receiving medical care in a routine manner.
- The shocking incident unfolded in Waterbury on February 17, when the victim, allegedly confined to a small room, set his home ablaze to break free, as police believe the fire was initiated using household items such as hand sanitizer, printer paper, and a lighter.
