Connecticut Man Escapes 20-Year Captivity by Stepmother Through Intentional Fire

Kimberly Sullivan denies charges of prolonged abuse and confinement as victim receives medical and community support.

The 32-year-old victim, held captive since age 11, was found severely emaciated after setting a fire to escape his Waterbury, Connecticut home.
Kimberly Sullivan, the victim's 56-year-old stepmother, faces charges including assault, kidnapping, and cruelty to persons, but denies the allegations.
Authorities revealed the victim was confined to a small room, given minimal food and water, and deprived of medical care for over two decades.
The victim’s biological mother and half-sister, who searched for him for years, expressed heartbreak and called for severe punishment for Sullivan.
The case has raised concerns about systemic failures, as local authorities and school officials reportedly suspected abuse as early as 2005 but failed to intervene.