In a shocking case that sounds like something from a horror movie, a Connecticut woman has been accused of keeping her stepson locked away for 20 years.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, cruelty, assault, unlawful restraint, and reckless endangerment. Her arrest came after her stepson, now 32 years old, managed to alert authorities in a desperate and unusual way.
A Desperate Escape Plan
The victim had been held captive since he was just 11 years old. For two decades, he endured extreme neglect, abuse, and starvation. With no way out, he finally came up with a dangerous plan to free himself—he set fire to his own room.
Last month, firefighters rushed to a house in Waterbury, Connecticut, to put out a fire. When they entered the home, they found the severely malnourished man in an upstairs room. He was quickly taken to the hospital for treatment. While receiving care for smoke inhalation, he admitted that he had set the fire on purpose.
“I wanted my freedom,” he told authorities.
Years of Suffering
Investigators soon uncovered a horrifying reality. The man had been kept in isolation, given very little food and water, and denied medical care for over 20 years. He had not seen a doctor or dentist the entire time.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the case as “heartbreaking and unimaginable,” emphasizing the suffering the victim endured for two decades.
Arrest and Legal Defense
Following the investigation, Kimberly Sullivan was arrested and taken into custody. She appeared in court and is currently being held on a $300,000 bond.
Despite the serious charges, her lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, said she denies any wrongdoing.
“She was stunned by the accusations,” he stated. “She insists the claims are false, and we plan to fight the charges.”
Kaloidis added that he is still gathering details about the case and is unsure whether anyone else lived in the house.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate how the victim remained hidden for so long without anyone noticing. The case has left the community in shock, with many wondering how such an ordeal could go on for two decades without intervention.
For now, the victim is receiving medical care and is finally free after years of captivity. Meanwhile, Sullivan faces a long legal battle ahead.
