Man Escapes 20 Years of Captivity by Setting Fire in Connecticut Home

A 32-year-old man in Waterbury, Connecticut, accused his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, of keeping him locked in a room for over 20 years, providing minimal food and water, and denying him access to medical care. He finally escaped on February 17, 2025, by setting a fire using hand sanitizer, printer paper, and a lighter.

Firefighters discovered the man in a severely emaciated state, weighing just 68.7 pounds at 5 feet 9 inches tall. Medical staff described his condition as life-threatening, with rotting teeth and severe malnourishment.

Police arrested 56-year-old Sullivan on charges of assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and reckless endangerment. The victim described years of isolation, starvation, and psychological abuse, stating he spent 22 to 24 hours a day locked inside an 8×9-foot storage space.

Sullivan’s attorney denied the allegations, attributing the victim’s upbringing to his late biological father. However, police found evidence of reinforced locks and plywood on the door, supporting the victim’s claims. The case has shocked the community, with law enforcement vowing to ensure justice is served.

Source: NPR