Bodycam Shows Man Alleges 20-Year Captivity by Stepmom

In the wake of Kimberly Sullivan, 56, being arrested and facing serious charges including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree illegal restraint, cruelty to persons, and reckless endangerment, the authorities have made public the footage of her stepson’s dramatic rescue from the flames. This harrowing situation underscores the urgent need for awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect.

The footage shows Sullivan outside her home, as first responders inquire about who else may be inside. This moment marks a critical point in the ongoing investigation.

She responds, “My stepson is in here. I’m trying to get them to help him out. That’s it. I have two cats,” indicating her focus on the situation at hand, although the gravity of the situation suggests a much darker reality.

“Is everyone out?” the officer queries, to which she confidently replies, “Yes.” He then inquires, “But your stepson’s still inside?” This exchange highlights the troubling nature of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As she insists, “he’s right there,” a firefighter emerges from the front door carrying another individual. This moment signifies the urgency of the situation, especially as she expresses concern for her “shaking” dog, prompting authorities to move her away from the scene as the stepson is loaded into an ambulance for medical attention.

Authorities became alarmed following an emergency call reporting an active fire at approximately 8:42 p.m. on February 17. This urgent call was made by Sullivan, the owner of the property engulfed in flames, raising immediate concerns about the safety and well-being of all involved.

While the fire was extinguished quickly and Sullivan managed to evacuate on her own, the other resident in the home, a 32-year-old man, required assistance from the dedicated personnel of the Waterbury Fire Department, illustrating the severity of his condition.

He was subsequently treated by emergency medical responders. It was during these interactions that the police learned the shocking truth: it was he who had ignited the fire and the reasons behind his drastic actions began to unfold.

“While receiving medical care for smoke inhalation, the male victim disclosed to first responders that he had deliberately set the fire in his upstairs room,” officials stated in a statement regarding the ongoing investigation into the case, highlighting the desperate circumstances that led to such a drastic measure.

The man revealed his motive for starting the fire, succinctly stating, “I wanted my freedom.” This statement encapsulates the desperation and longing for liberation that drove his actions, highlighting the severe conditions he endured.

“He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was approximately 11 years old,” the statement continued. According to CBS affiliate WFSB, which published the complete arrest affidavit, the man reportedly spent these years confined within an 8-foot by 9-foot room, underscoring the extreme isolation he faced.

The alleged victim “lit a fire using hand sanitizer and some printer paper while he was locked in that room from the outside,” a prosecutor detailed in court, illustrating his resourcefulness in a dire situation.

“He lit that fire fully aware he could die,” the prosecutor continued, “but he had been locked in that room for 20 years, and for 20 years he had been trying to escape.” This statement emphasizes the dire circumstances and the extreme lengths to which he felt compelled to go to regain his freedom.

The man’s initial disclosures triggered an in-depth investigation as he was found to be in a “severely emaciated condition,” weighing just 68 pounds, according to reports from WFSB, underlining the shocking extent of his suffering.

“Investigators further discovered that he had been provided with minimal amounts of food and water, which led to his extraordinarily malnourished state,” the police statement elaborated, raising alarms about the neglect he endured over the years.

The man reportedly told authorities he was given only two cups of water each day and was often forced to drink from the toilet. It was also determined that he “had not received any medical or dental care” throughout his years confined within the home, highlighting the severe neglect and abuse he faced.

The affidavit further details the man’s claims that he was removed from school in the fourth grade and only permitted out of his room to perform chores or to let the dogs out, spending approximately 22 hours a day locked away. This alarming revelation underscores the extent of his confinement.

He also informed police that he had no contact with anyone outside the home, asserting that the last time he had left the house was with his now-deceased father when he was around 14 or 15 years old. He noted that only his two half-sisters and a deceased grandmother were aware of his harrowing situation.

His fear of losing the minimal food and water he was provided, coupled with the dread of being locked up for even longer, kept him from attempting to escape, showing the severe psychological impact of his captivity.

Due to the man’s statements, investigators concluded that he had endured “prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment,” leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Sullivan, highlighting the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to continue unchecked.

Lawyer Ioannis A. Kaloidis stated that the suspect’s late husband, Kregg Sullivan—who passed away in 2024—was “in control” of the situation and was the one who made the decision to confine his son to an 8-foot by 9-foot room starting at the age of 11. This aspect of the case highlights the complexities of familial dynamics and accountability.

“Ultimately, it was the father who dictated how his son was raised, and my client was merely following his orders,” Kaloidis informed PEOPLE, while also denying the stepson’s claims that he was not permitted to bathe. “My client encouraged him to wash, but she is not going to force a 32-year-old man to take care of himself,” Kaloidis remarked, attempting to shift the narrative.

The attorney also asserted that the man was never locked in his room and was allowed to leave the house daily for chores, such as taking out the trash. According to Kaloidis, “He could have easily walked away if he wanted to leave,” which raises further questions about the man’s claims and the reality of his situation.

“This is just one side of the story, and people should not rush to judgment. These allegations are horrific, but there are two sides to every story, and my client plans to defend herself against these allegations,” Kaloidis concluded, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.