A man in western Connecticut intentionally set his home on fire to escape after allegedly being held captive by his stepmother for more than 20 years with minimal food and no medical care, authorities said Wednesday.
Police, fire, and emergency personnel responded to a burning home in Waterbury on February 17 and found a woman and her 32-year-old stepson at the residence, the Waterbury Police Department said in a statement.
The woman, identified as Kimberly Sullivan, safely evacuated, while her stepson, affected by smoke inhalation, required assistance leaving the home.
The man, referred to as “Male Victim 1,” stated he was locked in an eight-by-nine-foot room and fed two sandwiches and two cups of water daily for years. He started the fire using hand sanitizer, printer paper, and a lighter, according to a police affidavit and arrest warrant.
“I wanted my freedom,” he told first responders.
An investigation alleges he was held captive for over two decades, with limited opportunities to leave the room and no medical or dental care.
Medical records indicated the man weighed about 70 pounds at 5 feet, 9 inches. An officer described him as “extremely emaciated” with rotten teeth.
Sullivan was arrested and faces charges including assault, kidnapping, and cruelty.
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, denied the allegations, stating she provided food and shelter and that the man was not locked in a room.
Kaloidis emphasized Sullivan’s presumption of innocence and her intention to clear her name.
The man is receiving medical care. He claims he was held captive since age 11.
Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo called the victim’s suffering “heartbreaking and unimaginable.”
The man recalled sneaking out for food as a child and being locked in his room after food wrappings were discovered.
He eventually was pulled from school and only allowed to leave his room for chores.
He last left the property at age 14 or 15. After his father’s death, his captivity became more restrictive.
He was essentially locked in his room 22 to 24 hours a day, only leaving to let the dog out.
Plywood was used to secure the door, which police confirmed during a search.
