A shocking case has emerged from Connecticut, where a woman has been arrested for allegedly holding her severely emaciated stepson in captivity at their home for more than two decades. The victim, now 32 years old, was subjected to prolonged abuse, starvation, and inhumane treatment since he was just 11 years old, according to police reports.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski described the situation as “truly horrifying” during a press conference. The young man was discovered on February 17, when the Waterbury Police Department, alongside the Waterbury Fire Department, responded to an active fire report at approximately 8:42 p.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and found two occupants inside the home: 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, the property owner, and her stepson.
Upon extinguishing the fire, Sullivan was evacuated, while her stepson required assistance due to smoke inhalation and exposure to the flames. Investigators reported that the victim was 5-foot-9 and weighed just 68 pounds, highlighting the severe neglect he had endured.
During his medical treatment, the victim disclosed that he had intentionally started the fire in his upstairs room, stating, “I wanted my freedom.” This alarming admission prompted the Waterbury Police Department Major Crimes Unit to launch an extensive investigation into his claims of captivity and abuse.
Detectives soon discovered that the young man had been held captive for over 20 years, experiencing severe neglect and minimal access to food and water, which led to his malnourished state. Investigators also noted that he had not received any medical or dental care during his time in captivity.
In a tragic twist of fate, the victim's biological father had passed away in January 2024, and his mother had not been involved in his life since he was about two years old. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo noted that the father had been wheelchair-bound due to a medical condition.
Sullivan’s lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, has come to her defense, claiming that the victim's late father was primarily responsible for his upbringing. Kaloidis stated, “She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food. She provided shelter.” He expressed that as evidence unfolds, it will become clear that Sullivan is not the villain being portrayed.
The Waterbury Police Department had previously conducted welfare checks at the home, including a request from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in 2005. During these visits, officers found no alarming conditions and deemed the home clean. However, the family had reported harassment from the school district, claiming that they were wrongly reported to DCF.
As the investigation progressed, officials discovered that the locks on the victim's room had increased over the years, indicating a disturbing pattern of control as he grew older and stronger. Chief Spagnolo stated, “There are a lot of physical and mental health issues that the victim is now dealing with.”
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Kimberly Sullivan. She was taken into custody on charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Chief Spagnolo expressed his heartbreak over the victim's suffering and commended the investigative efforts of the police and the Waterbury State's Attorney's Office.
Sullivan has been arraigned in court, with her bond set at $300,000. She is expected to be placed in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections while awaiting trial. Despite the gravity of the allegations, officials noted that Sullivan has no prior criminal history and initially refused to speak to police.
This case serves as a harrowing reminder of the darkness that can exist in our society. The unimaginable suffering endured by the victim over two decades underscores the critical need for vigilance and intervention in situations of abuse and neglect. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains hopeful for justice and healing for the victim.
