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Kimberly Sullivan, 56, of Waterbury, was arrested on Wednesday, March 12, and charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and first-degree reckless endangerment, police said.
Authorities responded to a house fire at 2 Blake St. in Waterbury around 8:42 p.m. on Feb. 17, where they found a 32-year-old man suffering from smoke inhalation. The man, whose name has not been released, told emergency responders he intentionally started the fire, saying, "I wanted my freedom."
He then told rescuers a shocking allegation: he had been held captive by Sullivan, his stepmother, since he was approximately 11 years old.
The Waterbury Police Department's Major Crimes Unit launched an immediate investigation in coordination with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Detectives determined that the victim had been subjected to years of abuse, starvation, and neglect, living in inhumane conditions without medical or dental care. Authorities described his physical state as "severely emaciated."
A medical evaluation after he was rescued found that he weighed just 68 pounds and had a body mass index of 11. For reference, a BMI below 16 is considered starving and anything below 13 is considered life-threatening, police said.
Police said a slide lock on the outside of the man's door prevented him from getting out. He told officers he was only allowed out of his room for 15 minutes to two hours a day to perform chores, after which, he was locked back into the room for the rest of the day and night.
He detailed years of horror stories that began when he was just 3 years old. He said the abuse began when he was a child and was caught sneaking food at night. When his parents found the wrappers, they began locking him in his bedroom at night, the arrest warrant said.
He told investigators he was forced to drink water out of the toilet because of his stepmother's strict two cups of water per day rule, the arrest warrant said.
He stole food from friends at school because he was always starving, the warrant goes on.
His stepmother eventually took him out of public school because officials there contacted the Department of Children and Families based on how he behaved, according to the warrant.
He said he was given minimal food rations and was hungry "all day, every day, my entire life," per the arrest warrant. He wanted to tell someone about the abuse on the rare times he was allowed out of the house, but he feared his stepmother's retribution, such as even more food restrictions or harsh punishments.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo called the case "heartbreaking and unimaginable," praising investigators for their tireless work.
"The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable," 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."
Sullivan was being held on a $300,000 bond, police said.
The victim is now receiving medical care and support. Authorities have not disclosed further details about his condition or his future placement.
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