A Connecticut woman has been arrested for allegedly keeping her stepson captive for over 20 years, subjecting him to severe neglect, abuse, and starvation, police said.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was taken into custody on Wednesday following a disturbing investigation that began after a house fire on February 17 in Waterbury, Connecticut.
According to officials, the 32-year-old victim—who was just 11 when he was allegedly first locked away—was discovered in an “emaciated” condition. Standing at 5-foot-9, he weighed just 68 pounds and had reportedly not received any medical or dental care for two decades.
“This is truly horrifying and beyond comprehension,” said Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski at a press conference on Thursday. “The young man’s unimaginable suffering over the course of two decades is a reminder of the darkness that does exist in our world.”
The case unfolded after Sullivan called emergency services to report a fire at her residence. While Sullivan was able to evacuate, firefighters had to rescue her stepson, who was suffering from severe smoke inhalation. Once in medical care, the victim disclosed that he had intentionally started the fire in his upstairs room in a desperate bid for freedom.
Authorities said the investigation revealed that the man had been confined to a small room with exterior locks, enduring inhumane living conditions. He alleged that he was routinely starved, receiving only minimal amounts of food and water, and was forced to use bottles and paper for bathroom needs. His only connection to the outside world was a radio outside his door, which he used to track the passing of days and years.
During his captivity, the man said he was only allowed out of his locked room for brief periods each day, mainly to perform chores.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the case as “heartbreaking and unimaginable,” adding, “Thirty-three years in law enforcement, this is the worst treatment of humanity that I’ve ever witnessed.”
Authorities said that Sullivan became the primary caregiver after the victim’s biological father, who was wheelchair-bound, passed away in January 2024. His biological mother has reportedly been absent since he was a toddler.
Sullivan’s lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, defended his client, stating that the victim’s late father was responsible for how the boy was raised. “She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food. She provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations,” Kaloidis said.
However, police allege that the conditions of the victim’s confinement became worse over the years, with locks being added to the room as the victim grew older and stronger.
Authorities said Sullivan refused to speak to police during the investigation. She has since been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
Sullivan was released Thursday after posting $300,000 bail.
She maintains her innocence through her attorney.
“We would urge the public not to rush to judgment in this case, to please keep in mind that she is presumed innocent unless and until if ever, the state can prove otherwise at trial,” Kaloidis said. “These allegations are horrific and she intends to defend them vigorously. She is innocent. And we intend to follow this case through until she’s vindicated.”
Sullivan’s next court date is scheduled for March 26.
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