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Man Escapes Alleged 20-Year Captivity by Setting House on Fire
Authorities in western Connecticut confirmed that a man intentionally set his home ablaze in an attempt to escape what he described as decades of captivity at the hands of his stepmother. The incident occurred in Waterbury on February 17, with emergency responders finding both the woman and her 32-year-old stepson at the scene.
According to the Waterbury Police Department, the woman, identified as Kimberly Sullivan, managed to evacuate safely. However, her stepson, affected by smoke inhalation, required assistance to exit the burning structure.
The man, referred to as “Male Victim 1,” alleged that he had been confined to a small room measuring eight by nine feet for over twenty years. He had reportedly endured extreme deprivation, receiving only two sandwiches and two cups of water per day. To ignite the fire as a means of escape, he used hand sanitizer, printer paper, and a lighter, according to a police affidavit.
In his own words, he expressed a desperate desire for freedom when he told first responders, “I wanted my freedom.” A subsequent investigation corroborated his claims, revealing that he had virtually no access to the outside world and had been deprived of essential medical care throughout his confinement.
Medical evaluations indicated that the man weighed approximately 70 pounds and presented as “extremely emaciated,” with severely decayed teeth. These alarming physical conditions raised serious concerns about the extent of his alleged maltreatment.
Sullivan was arrested following these discoveries and appeared in court for arraignment. She faces serious charges, including assault, kidnapping, and cruelty, according to police statements.
In response to the allegations, Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, vehemently denied the claims, asserting that his client did not confine him in any way and provided ample food and shelter. Kaloidis stated, “She is blown away by these allegations,” maintaining Sullivan’s innocence and her eagerness to clear her name in court.
Medical care has been provided to the man since his rescue, with reports indicating that he had lived under these harsh conditions since approximately age eleven.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo expressed his deep concern, remarking, “The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable.” He praised the tireless efforts of officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office in bringing the case to light.
The victim recounted early attempts to escape his confinement, remembering desperate nights spent sneaking out for food and drink. He later described facing even stricter controls after food wrappings he had discarded were discovered. By fourth grade, he resorted to begging for food and scavenging from garbage bins.
Social workers conducted welfare checks during his school years after receiving numerous alerts from the school, but he reported his stepmother instructed him to claim he was fine. Ultimately, Sullivan withdrew him from school altogether, allowing him to leave his room only for chores.
The situation deteriorated further following the death of his father, which reportedly led to increased restrictions, leaving him confined to his room for nearly 24 hours each day. Plywood was reportedly secured around his door to prevent any chance of escape, a detail confirmed by police findings during their investigation.
Source
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