Connecticut Man Endures 20 Years of Captivity and Abuse at the Hands of His Parents

Connecticut Man Endures 20 Years of Captivity and Abuse

New details have emerged regarding the harrowing story of a 32-year-old man from Connecticut who allegedly faced two decades of confinement in a single room by his father and stepmother. This shocking case has raised alarming questions about the failure of protective systems meant to safeguard vulnerable children.

Kimberly Sullivan, 56, was arrested recently following a fire incident on February 17. Reports indicate that the man set the fire within the home, a desperate act that ultimately led to his liberation. Authorities from Waterbury police and firefighters responded to the emergency, uncovering the man’s terrifying living conditions.

After the fire, the surviving victim shared with first responders that his nightmare began at the age of 11. He expressed his longing for freedom, which highlights the torment he experienced.

Investigation Unveils Horrific Treatment

In light of the man’s accounts, the Waterbury Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, along with the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, launched a comprehensive investigation into his living conditions. Their findings revealed sustained patterns of abuse and neglect that were starkly inhumane.

According to investigation details, the man was confined to a room for nearly 24 hours a day, deprived of basic necessities like heating or air conditioning. Reports also stated that he received only two sandwiches and two bottles of water daily, which he had to ration carefully, even using it for washing himself.

Medical Concerns and Weight Loss

When rescuers discovered him, he weighed a mere 69 pounds at 5 feet 9 inches tall. The lack of access to a bathroom forced him to devise makeshift solutions, funneling waste through straws to an outside window. This profoundly distressing account underscores the cruelty he faced throughout his formative years.

Adding to the tragedy, the victim attended school during his ordeal, often resorting to stealing food and scavenging from garbage to survive. This extreme deprivation led to severe dental issues, breaking his teeth due to the absence of proper dental care.

Charges Filed Against His Captors

Following the investigation, Sullivan faces numerous serious charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and cruelty to persons. Her bond was set at $300,000, though she has since been released by the Connecticut Department of Corrections.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the circumstances of the man’s suffering as