A 56-year-old woman, Kimberly Sullivan, has been arrested and arraigned on multiple charges including assault and kidnapping, following disturbing revelations that she allegedly held her stepson captive for over two decades.
The case came to light on February 17 when emergency responders were called to a house fire in Waterbury. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a severely emaciated 32-year-old man in a tiny upstairs room. Weighing just 68 pounds, authorities described his condition as “akin to a survivor of Auschwitz’s death camp.”
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly told rescue crews that he intentionally started the fire in a desperate attempt to escape years of confinement. “I wanted my freedom,” he told police.
According to investigators, the victim claimed he had been locked in an 8-by-9-foot room since the age of 11, with no heating, ventilation, or access to medical care. Authorities allege he endured prolonged abuse, starvation, and severe neglect during his captivity.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo called the case “heartbreaking and unimaginable,” praising the dedication of officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office for their efforts in pursuing justice.
“This case required relentless investigative effort,” Spagnolo stated. “The suffering this victim endured is deeply disturbing, and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is held fully accountable.”
Sullivan was arraigned on Wednesday, March 12, and is currently being held on a $300,000 bond. Her attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has denied the allegations, stating that Sullivan “adamantly maintains her innocence” and plans to vigorously defend herself in court.
During the arraignment, prosecutors revealed harrowing details about the victim’s conditions. Assistant State’s Attorney Don Therkildsen described the situation as “something out of a horror movie,” emphasizing that the victim had been so desperate to escape, he knowingly risked his life by starting the fire using hand sanitizer and printer paper.
A police warrant indicated that the victim’s situation worsened after the death of his father last year. He reportedly survived on minimal water daily and was sometimes forced to drink from the toilet.
The case has also raised concerns about past systemic failures. Former elementary school principal Tom Pannone told NBC that school staff had reported concerns to authorities years ago when the boy stopped attending school and showed signs of neglect.
“We knew it. We reported it. Not a damn thing was done,” Pannone said. “Everyone was concerned for this child since he was five years old. You knew something was grossly wrong.”