Connecticut Woman Arrested After Allegedly Holding Stepson Captive for Two Decades; Victim Escaped by Setting Fire to Home
Waterbury, Connecticut – A 56-year-old Waterbury woman, Kimberly Sullivan, has been arrested and charged with a multitude of offenses, including first-degree assault and second-degree kidnapping, after allegedly holding her stepson captive in their home for over 20 years. The shocking case came to light after the 32-year-old victim deliberately set fire to the residence on Blake Street last month as a desperate attempt to escape his alleged confinement.
According to the Waterbury Police Department, officers and firefighters responded to a reported fire at the Blake Street address on the evening of February 17th. Upon arrival, they discovered Sullivan and her stepson inside the burning home. Sullivan was able to evacuate safely, while firefighters assisted her stepson out of the residence. He was subsequently placed in the care of emergency medical services (EMS) due to smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire.
During questioning, the stepson made a startling confession to authorities, admitting that he intentionally started the fire in an upstairs room. His reason for doing so was simple yet profound: "I wanted my freedom." He went on to allege that Sullivan had held him captive since he was just 11 years old, a claim that initiated an extensive investigation by the Waterbury Police Department in collaboration with the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office.
The ensuing investigation uncovered a horrific reality, confirming that the stepson had indeed been held captive for more than two decades. Investigators revealed that the victim had endured prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment during his captivity. He was found to be in a severely emaciated condition, a direct consequence of being provided with only minimal amounts of food and water over the years. Furthermore, he had been denied any medical or dental care throughout his ordeal.
Based on the evidence gathered, a warrant was issued for Sullivan’s arrest on Tuesday. Officers apprehended her on Wednesday, bringing her in to face a battery of charges that reflect the severity of her alleged crimes. The charges include first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, and first-degree unlawful restraint.
Sullivan was arraigned in court on Wednesday, where a judge set her bond at $300,000. She will remain in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections pending further legal proceedings.
The details of the case have sent shockwaves through the Waterbury community and beyond. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo expressed his deep concern and commended the dedication of the officers involved in the investigation. "The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable," Chief Spagnolo stated. "This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office. Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes."
The allegations against Sullivan paint a picture of systematic abuse and control that spanned the victim’s formative years and into adulthood. The deliberate deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care, coupled with the alleged physical abuse and confinement, paint a grim portrait of the victim’s life.
The case raises numerous questions about how such a prolonged period of captivity could go unnoticed. It highlights the importance of community awareness and vigilance in identifying and reporting potential cases of abuse and neglect. The fact that the victim was able to escape only by resorting to such a drastic measure underscores the desperation of his situation and the failure of other systems to intervene earlier.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will be on ensuring that justice is served for the victim and that Sullivan is held accountable for her alleged actions. The prosecution will likely present a comprehensive case detailing the evidence of abuse, neglect, and confinement, while the defense will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations and present their own perspective on the events.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sullivan’s attorney for comment, but no response has been received as of yet.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the hidden forms of abuse that can exist within families and the devastating impact they can have on victims. It also underscores the importance of providing support and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse, helping them to rebuild their lives and heal from their experiences. The victim in this case will undoubtedly require extensive medical, psychological, and social support to recover from the years of abuse and deprivation he allegedly suffered.
