A disturbing case has emerged from Connecticut, where a woman named Kimberly Sullivan, 56, has been accused of holding her stepson captive for more than two decades. Authorities report that the man was subjected to intense abuse and starvation until he resorted to intentionally starting a fire in an attempt to escape his horrific situation. The Waterbury Police Department confirmed Sullivan's arrest on Wednesday, charging her with multiple offenses including assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and intentional cruelty to persons.
During a news conference on Thursday, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo expressed his shock at the case, stating, “In my 33 years in law enforcement, this is the worst treatment of humanity that I have ever witnessed.” Such comments highlight the severity of the allegations against Sullivan and the conditions her stepson reportedly endured.
The investigation began when firefighters responded to a fire at a Waterbury home on February 17. Upon extinguishing the flames, they discovered the stepson, aged 32, in a severely emaciated condition. According to police reports, he had suffered from “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhuman treatment.” At the time of rescue, he weighed only 68 pounds and was described as having very dirty, matted hair and rotten teeth.
According to an affidavit obtained by CBS's local affiliate WFSB, the victim revealed that he had been held captive since the age of 11. He ignited the fire in his second-floor room using a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper, stating, “I wanted my freedom.” This desperate act was a reflection of the extreme conditions he faced in captivity.
In the face of these serious allegations, Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, issued a statement to The Washington Post asserting her innocence. Kaloidis emphasized that Sullivan “maintains her innocence and looks forward to the opportunity to clear her name,” adding, “While the allegations are serious, they are just that, allegations.” Sullivan is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The affidavit details the horrifying conditions in which the stepson lived. He was reportedly locked in a small room and later confined to an 8-by-9-foot space, which lacked basic amenities such as heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. Police described the environment as worse than that of a jail cell.
During his time in captivity, the stepson was not allowed to bathe or properly use the restroom. He developed a system to urinate in bottles and defecate on newspaper, which he would dispose of when given brief access to the outside. To maintain control, Sullivan allegedly threatened him with reduced food and extended lockdowns, ensuring he remained obedient and silent.
The affidavit suggests that the victim's father and two half-sisters were aware of his treatment but did not actively participate. It was revealed that while his father was alive, he occasionally allowed his son to watch television with him. Tragically, his father passed away in January 2024, which led to the victim spending even more time locked away, sometimes up to 24 hours a day.
Upon his admission to a hospital, medical staff documented that the victim had a body mass index of 11, indicating severe malnourishment. He was also diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and cachexia, a wasting syndrome commonly seen in cancer patients.
The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) stated they had no records related to the family, citing that reports of neglect and abuse that were investigated but not substantiated are expunged after five years. DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly indicated that they are continuing to investigate and urged anyone with information to contact the Waterbury Police Department.
In April 2005, DCF had requested a welfare check on the family, but officers found no cause for concern. The case remains under investigation, and it appears that Sullivan acted alone in this alleged abuse. She is currently being held on a bail of $300,000.
