Connecticut stepmother arrested after 20 years of possession of stepson prisoner
Police said a man allegedly captured by his stepmother for 20 years and deliberately set fire to escape from his house in Waterbury, Connecticut, to escape, police said.
The woman was identified by the Waterbury Police Department as 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, arrested Wednesday after conducting a wide-ranging investigation into her stepson’s astonishing claims.
Waterbury police and fire officials reported a fire broke out in a Blake Street home on the evening of February 17. Police said two crew members were at home at the time – Sullivan and her 32-year-old stepson.
Sullivan was able to evacuate safely. Fire officials assisted her stepson with leaving the home and placed him under the care of EMS as he suffered smoke inhalation and was exposed to the fire.
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The photo provided by the Waterbury Police Department shows Kimberly Sullivan was accused of kidnapping and cruelty on Wednesday for allegedly captive her 32-year-old stepson for more than 20 years. (Watbury Police Department via AP)
The stepson told police that he deliberately set fire to the room upstairs and said, “I want my freedom.” He claimed that Sullivan had taken him prisoner since he was 11 years old.
Police worked with the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office to conduct an investigation and determined that the stepson was indeed captured for more than 20 years.
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The researchers determined that the stepson suffered “long-term abuse, hunger, serious negligence and inhuman treatment.”
During this time, he found that he was in a “severely decayed condition, without medical or dental care” and obtained “with minimal food and water, which led to his malnutrition.”
The photo provided by the Waterbury Police Department shows Kimberly Sullivan was detained for kidnapping and cruelty after allegedly capturing her 32-year-old stepson prisoner for more than 20 years. (Watbury Police Department via AP)
A warrant was arrested on Tuesday for Sullivan, and police detained her on Wednesday. She faces a series of charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping and first-degree illegal restriction.
Police responded to reports of an active fire at a home on Blake Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. (Google Maps)
Sullivan was arraigned in court on Wednesday with the bonds set at $300,000. Waterbury police said in a press release that she will be detained in the Connecticut Department of Corrections custody.
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“The victim suffered more than 20 years of suffering. The case requires relentless investigation and I commend our officers and the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for dedication,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo. “Their unwavering commitment ensures just service and is fully responsible for these horrible crimes.”
Fox News Digital has contacted Sullivan’s attorney.
