Waterbury Man Escapes 20-Year Captivity, Step-Mom Arrested

A 32-year-old man, who claims to have been held captive by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, for nearly two decades, set fire to their Waterbury, Connecticut home in a desperate bid for freedom. He reported being locked in a room for most of his life, receiving only minimal food and water, and having no contact with the outside world after being pulled from school in the fourth grade. Following the incident on February 17, Sullivan was arrested and faces several charges including kidnapping and cruelty; however, her attorney has denied the allegations. Police Chief Fred Spagnolo described the case as among the worst instances of inhumanity he has encountered in his 33 years of law enforcement. The victim's accounts reveal a traumatic history of starvation and isolation, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding his captivity. Community members and officials have expressed shock and concern over the alleged abuse, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals from such neglect.