CNN – Police in Waterbury, Connecticut, have released photos from inside a house where a man was allegedly held captive by his stepmother for 20 years.
The unnamed man, who in February escaped the house by starting a fire with printer paper and hand sanitizer, told police he was locked in a small room secured with plywood and a lock.
For years, the man was given minimal food and water, he told police.
The more than 100 photos obtained through CNN affiliate WFSB reveal the true extent of how dire conditions were for the man who police say emerged “extremely emaciated” –– 32-years-old, 5-foot-9, and weighing roughly 70 pounds.
Many of the photos WFSB received from Waterbury police show the inside of the house in evidently poor condition –– with some rooms clearly charred from a fire, and others cluttered and decrepit from a lack of care and maintenance.
Mold and broken floorboards are seen throughout the house, with some carpeted areas covered in dirt and trash. Part of the house’s ceiling appeared broken, with beams exposed. Many of the windows are covered with plywood.
Kimberly Sullivan’s house is seen in Waterbury, Connecticut on Tuesday, March 18.
A young man emerged from a burning house after decades of alleged captivity. His city is now reckoning with the fallout
In one photo, a bedroom with a bright pink wall is littered with random objects, including a printer. Another photo of a bathroom shows broken wall insulation, glass and cardboard boxes on the floor.
It is unclear which room belonged to the man who was purportedly held captive, though several close-ups of charred door frames and locks were captured by police.
The man’s stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, managed to escape her burning house and has since been accused by authorities of locking her stepson up and starving him for decades …
Waterbury Police Department
VIA FACEBOOK – On February 17, 2025, at approximately 8:42 PM, Waterbury Police Department officers, along with personnel from the Waterbury Fire Department (WFD), responded to a report of an active fire at a residence on 2 Blake ST. WFD quickly extinguished the fire.
Two occupants were inside the home at the time. One was identified as Kimberly Sullivan, 56, the complainant and owner of the property. The second occupant was a 32-year-old male, later determined to be Sullivan’s stepson.
Sullivan was able to evacuate safely. The male occupant remained inside but was later assisted out of the residence by Waterbury Fire Department personnel and placed in the care of emergency medical services (EMS). He had suffered smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire.
While receiving medical care, the male victim disclosed to first responders that he had intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room, stating, “I wanted my freedom.” He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was approximately 11 years old.
Following these alarming statements, the Waterbury Police Department Major Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, launched an extensive investigation.
Detectives determined that the victim had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment.
He was found in a severely emaciated condition and had not received medical or dental care during this time. Investigators further discovered that he had been provided with only minimal amounts of food and water which led to his extremely malnourished condition.
As a result of the investigation, Sullivan was identified as a suspect, and an arrest warrant was issued on March 11, 2025. On March 12, 2025, Sullivan was located and taken into police custody by the Waterbury Police Department.
Sullivan was charged with the following offenses:
- Assault in the First Degree
- Kidnapping in the Second Degree
- Unlawful Restraint in the First Degree
- Cruelty to Persons
- Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree
Sullivan was arraigned in court today and her bond was set at 300K. She will be placed in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections.
Statement from Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo:
“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable. 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.”
