Overview

• The man, who escaped in February by setting a fire, released his first public statement on April 15 through the advocacy group Survivors Say.
• Identifying himself as 'S,' he described enduring 20 years of captivity and abuse starting at age 11, confined in a locked storage room with minimal food and water.
• He expressed gratitude for the medical care and support he has received, celebrating his first-ever birthday at age 32 as part of his recovery journey.
• Kimberly Sullivan, his stepmother, faces multiple charges including kidnapping and assault, but has pleaded not guilty and remains free on GPS-monitored bail.
• The case has prompted scrutiny of systemic failures in child welfare oversight and homeschooling regulations, with calls for reform to prevent similar tragedies.