Kimberly Sullivan’s stepson told Waterbury police that he used a lighter, hand sanitizer and paper to intentionally set the fire that led to his eventual discovery on Feb. 17.
The stepson of a Connecticut woman told detectives he had been held captive for two decades, beginning at the age of 11. Although his former principal and elementary school reportedly told authorities about the now-grown man’s alleged mistreatment, many turned the other way, including his own relatives, according to charging documents.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly holding her 32-year-old stepson in captivity and subjecting him to “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment,” Waterbury police said in a Facebook post.
“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said, per the social media post. “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.”
Sullivan remains in police custody with a $300,000 bond on charges of first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment, Connecticut Department of Corrections inmate records show.
“She’s never been in trouble. She’s never harmed anyone,” Ioannis Kaloidis, Sullivan’s attorney, told USA TODAY on Wednesday. “She denies these allegations, and I would just ask people not to rush to judgment here. We’re confident as the facts come out, she will be vindicated.”
Here is how Sullivan’s stepson was allegedly held captive for 20 years.
Kimberly Sullivan’s stepson: ‘I wanted my freedom’
Waterbury Police and Fire responded to Kimberly Sullivan’s home on Blake Street around 8:42 p.m. on Feb. 17, and once firefighters extinguished the reported active fire, a grisly discovery awaited.
Sullivan was able to evacuate her home, while her stepson remained inside and was later assisted out by Waterbury firefighters, police said. The man was suffering from smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire, according to the department.
While being treated, the stepson told the first responders that he intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room using a lighter, hand sanitizer and paper, stating, “I wanted my freedom,” police said. He then alleged that Sullivan held him captive since he was 11 years old, according to the department’s Facebook post
