Connecticut Man Speaks Out After 20 Years of Alleged Captivity and Abuse by Stepmother

A dilapidated house where a Connecticut man, known as "S," faced two decades of abuse and captivity. His courageous escape by setting fire to the property marked the start of reclaiming his life.

Waterbury, Connecticut — A 32-year-old man who says he was held captive and abused for more than two decades is now speaking out, reclaiming his story and identity. The man, who asks to be identified as “S,” says he was imprisoned inside a family home in Waterbury from age 11 until his daring escape earlier this year. He was rescued after setting a fire in the house on February 17 in a desperate attempt to free himself.

His stepmother, 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, is now facing serious charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and reckless endangerment.

Authorities say S weighed only 68 pounds when emergency crews found him inside the burning home. Police reports describe years of horrific abuse, including forcing the young man to eat from the trash and drink from the toilet. Prosecutors said the conditions were "unimaginable," Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo called the case “heartbreaking.”

In recovery, S released a powerful and emotional public statement through the advocacy group Survivors Say. In it, he explains his decision to speak out and outlines his plans to reclaim his identity and future.

The full statement reads:

“Please call me ‘S.’This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I am choosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life and my future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself now that I am free.

I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. I was held prisoner in my home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago at age 31, when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.

I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.

I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of my home. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32.

I also want to thank the first responders, the law enforcement investigators, and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. Thank you to everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.

I am grateful to the conservator and my attorney, who will help guide me through the legal process ahead. They have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for their tireless support.

Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.

I ask everyone involved in my story to fully cooperate with the authorities who are helping me seek justice for these crimes. I also ask the public and the media to respect those investigations and my privacy as this process plays out. This isn’t just a story. It’s my life.

Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support, and your continued prayers as I recover. Please forward any inquiries about my recovery, requests for information or interviews, or the process ahead to David Guarino at Survivors Say, who has volunteered to serve as my spokesman.

Thank you.”

Sullivan has been released on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on April 22. Her attorney declined to comment on the charges.

Authorities say they continue their investigation, and support services are in place for S as he begins the long road to healing. Community members have expressed support and gratitude for his bravery in sharing his story.