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Bodycam footage from the Waterbury Police Department has emerged, capturing a conversation with Kimberly Sullivan, a suspected child abuser from Connecticut. In the footage, Sullivan denies allegations that her stepson was confined in a storage closet for two decades. The incident unfolded on February 17, when authorities reported that her 32-year-old stepson ignited a fire in their home as a desperate attempt to escape from years of imprisonment and abuse.
After the blaze started, one of Sullivan’s daughters arrived at the scene in a black Acura, waiting nearby as firefighters battled the flames and as first responders rescued her unnamed stepson from the house.
Throughout the partially redacted footage, which has been scrutinized by investigators, Sullivan, age 56, recounts to a police officer her version of events. She attributed the fire to a television that her stepson had allegedly plugged in, claiming that she emerged from her bedroom upon detecting smoke.
‘MALNOURISHED’ MAN HELD CAPTIVE BY STEPMOM FOR DECADES SET FIRE TO HOME TO ESCAPE: ‘I WANTED MY FREEDOM’
As first responders and police approached the scene, Sullivan stated, “I was trying to go into the room but it was just – there were just flames – he came out of the room, eventually woke up and came out of the room.”
When asked whether the door to her stepson’s room was locked, she firmly responded no, suggesting that he had free access whenever he wished. However, police believe that her statements may not be truthful.
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Sullivan was officially arrested on March 12, facing a range of serious charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and first-degree unlawful restraint. She has been released on a $300,000 bond and has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
The arrest warrant details shocking conditions allegedly endured by her stepson, referred to as “Male Victim 1.” It states that he was held in a windowless closet measuring only 8-by-9 feet without proper ventilation, heating, or access to a bathroom facilities for 20 years. Reports indicate that he was confined for 22 to 24 hours each day, receiving only two sandwiches and two small water bottles as sustenance. One water bottle was reportedly used for personal hygiene. By the time authorities discovered him, he weighed less than 70 pounds.
The warrant states that the victim deliberately set the fire to claim his freedom. His drastic action has prompted widespread outrage and concern over the abusive situation he was trapped in.
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Following her arrest, Fox News Digital managed to obtain a distressing 911 call made by Sullivan, reporting the incident. The call captures her frantic demeanor as she attempts to communicate the urgency of the situation to the operator.
LISTEN: Kimberly Sullivan calls 911 to report house fire
Additional bodycam footage shows first responders urging an unidentified individual from the burning home to exit immediately.
WATCH: Waterbury officer yells at person to exit burning home
In another heavily redacted portion of footage, officers can be seen outside an ambulance tending to the victim, who appears blurred. An officer reported that the victim disclosed he hadn’t showered in a year, highlighting the extremely neglectful and abusive environment.
WATCH: Kimberly Sullivan’s stepson interviewed by police in ambulance
Another clip reveals Sullivan’s frantic attempts to return to the home to retrieve personal items while firefighters continued their work. Her actions during and after the fire evoke further scrutiny regarding her role in the prolonged abuse.
WATCH: Kimberly Sullivan frantically asks to retrieve purse from burning home
Prior footage had surfaced earlier this month that captured the moment her stepson was carried out of the house to safety, emphasizing the grave circumstances he was rescued from.
Fox News Digital made attempts to reach out to Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, for comment through a spokesperson, as the investigation into this distressing case continues.
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