Decades Stepson held captive ‘inhumane’ conditions: ‘Something out of a horror movie’

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A Connecticut woman has been accused of holding her severely malnourished stepson captive for more than 20 years before he set a fire in a desperate bid for freedom. Authorities have described the shocking case as “something out of a horror movie.”  

 

 

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested and charged Wednesday, nearly a month after a fire at her Waterbury home revealed the unimaginable conditions her 32-year-old stepson had been enduring. According to police, he weighed only 68 pounds when he was rescued by firefighters on February 17.  

 

 

The victim, who had been held in a cramped storage space, admitted to intentionally setting the fire to escape. “I wanted my freedom,” he told first responders as he was treated for smoke inhalation and burns. He claimed he had been held captive since he was around 11 years old, deprived of food, water, and even basic medical care.  

 

An investigation by police and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office uncovered details of severe neglect and abuse. The man told authorities he often resorted to drinking from a toilet because he was only given two cups of water a day as a child. He recalled stealing food at school and even eating from the garbage before he was eventually removed from the education system.  

 

 

As he grew older, his living conditions worsened. The victim stated that he was forced to relieve himself in bottles and newspapers, further highlighting the horrific treatment he endured. “The facts of this case, quite frankly, are something out of a horror movie,” said Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don Therkildsen. “That’s without exaggeration.” He also noted that the victim was fully aware he could have died in the fire but saw no other way out.  

 

Despite the overwhelming allegations, Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has denied the claims. “The allegations are horrific, but they are simply that: allegations,” Kaloidis stated. “They’re allegations made by one person that are largely uncorroborated by any independent evidence.”  

 

Following her arrest, Sullivan was photographed in handcuffs, wearing a cross necklace and flanked by investigators. She faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment.  

 

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

 

Neighbors described Sullivan and her family as reclusive. Zeffery Guarnera and Suzette Baker, who live next door, said they never saw the victim outside. However, their daughter, now 25, recalled seeing a boy in the window of the room where the fire eventually broke out over a decade ago.  

“He waved at her, she waved at him, she didn’t think nothing of it,” Guarnera recounted. “And hasn’t seen him since.”

 

Guarnera also speculated that he may have seen the victim working in the yard over the years without realizing who he was. “Maybe actually a little bit older… but I guess if he looked emaciated, he might have looked younger,” he said.  

 

The case has sent shockwaves through the community as authorities continue their investigation.

 

Based on a report by NYP  2025-03-15

 

 

[LOS1]

I guess we'll have to wait as to the... WHY?