‘Malnourished’ man held captive by stepmom for decades set fire to home to escape: ‘I wanted my freedom’

In a harrowing and deeply disturbing case, a 32-year-old man in Waterbury, Connecticut, allegedly set fire to his family home on February 17, 2023, as a desperate attempt to break free from what he claims was two decades of captivity and abuse at the hands of his stepmother. According to police, the man, who has not been named, intentionally ignited the blaze in an upstairs room of the residence, telling authorities, “I wanted my freedom.” His stepmother, 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and first-degree unlawful restraint. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, exposing a horrific tale of prolonged abuse, starvation, and neglect that went unchecked for far too long.

When police and fire officials responded to the fire on Blake Street, they found Sullivan and her stepson inside the burning home. Sullivan was able to evacuate safely, while her stepson required assistance from firefighters and was later treated by emergency medical services for smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire.ccording to investigators, the stepson’s condition was alarming, as he was found to be severely emaciated, a result of years of minimal food and water and a complete lack of medical or dental care. His testimony to police revealed a life of unimaginable suffering, as he alleged that Sullivan had held him captive since he was just 11 years old. Over the course of 20 years, he endured what authorities have described as “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment.” The sheer extent of his ordeal has left even seasoned law enforcement officials grappling with the depths of human cruelty.

The investigation into Sullivan’s alleged abuse was conducted jointly by the Waterbury Police Department and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office. Detectives worked tirelessly to corroborate the stepson’s claims, uncovering evidence of a shocking pattern of mistreatment that spanned more than two decades. The stepson’s condition and his testimony painted a grim picture of a life lived in constant fear, isolation, and deprivation. Authorities have not disclosed how Sullivan allegedly maintained control over her stepson for so long, but the sheer duration of the abuse suggests a calculated and sinister intent to strip him of his autonomy and dignity. The case has raised questions about how such egregious mistreatment could go undetected for so long, prompting calls for greater awareness and intervention in cases of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

Sullivan was taken into custody on Wednesday, February 22, after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She appeared in court later that day, where a judge set her bond at $300,000. If she is unable to post bail, she will remain in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections as she awaits trial. Sullivan’s attorney has not yet commented on the case, and it remains to be seen how her legal team will respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, the stepson, now 32, is receiving the medical attention and support he was denied for so many years. His road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and challenging, but his courage in escaping his captor and seeking justice marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo has praised the efforts of his officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, calling the case “both heartbreaking and unimaginable.” He emphasized the importance of relentless investigative work in ensuring that justice is served, stating, “Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes.” The chief’s words underscore the gravity of the case and the importance of accountability in such heinous acts. As the legal process unfolds, the community of Waterbury and beyond will no doubt continue to grapple with the horrified disbelief that such atrocities could occur in their midst, hidden behind the closed doors of a seemingly ordinary home.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the darker corners of human nature and the vulnerabilities that predators exploit in their victims. It also highlights the critical role of law enforcement and the justice system in identifying and prosecuting such crimes, as well as the need for vigilance and intervention in cases where individuals may be suffering in silence. For the victim, the road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but with the support of authorities, social services, and the community, there is hope for healing and rebuilding a life stolen by years of captivity and abuse. As the nation follows this case, it serves as a poignant call to action to recognize the signs of abuse and ensure that no one else suffers in the shadows for so long.