CT - 32-year-old man held captive by stepmother Kimberly Sullivan since age 11, weighs 68 lbs, sets fire to home to escape, 17 Feb 2025 *Arrest*

[sds71]

How is recovery going for Waterbury man allegedly held captive for 20 years?

A local group said the Waterbury man is ready for the next recovery phase, which includes "intense" physical therapy.

www.fox61.com

 

[tlcya]

So happy to read that he has reached a point of medical stability and is ready to move on to physical therapy. It is said it will be intense and I can well imagine that is true after being kept in that cramped room for two decades. I am also really happy to read about the funds that have been raised to benefit him. I continue to hope he gets good counsel and guidance and the vultures keep their distance from him and his funds.

 

[Muddy K]

I was wondering when the New York Times - amid all the other chaos they have to cover on the daily - would get around to this IMO incredibly upsetting story. They put it up today as part of their The Great Read Series.

I'm gifting it for anyone interested:

Held Captive in His Room for Decades

 

[arielilane]

@CStewartNews


Kimberly Sullivan, the woman accused of holding her stepson captive for 20ys inside their Waterbury, CT home is asking the court to drop GPS monitoring while she is out on bail.

GPS was added on March 28th after she already posted $300k bail after her arrest.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1910417111412883691

 

[tlcya]

on what grounds do she and her attorneys think she should have GPS monitoring dropped? Why is she concerned about being tracked unless she wants to go somewhere she shouldn't like on the lam or to harass her victim or witnesses

 

[Nadal]

on what grounds do she and her attorneys think she should have GPS monitoring dropped? Why is she concerned about being tracked unless she wants to go somewhere she shouldn't like on the lam or to harass her victim or witnesses

Her Attornies almost certainly advised her against thaat action as futile, but her legal actions are ultimately her choice. I'd be astonished if they suggested it.

<modsnip - criticizing the opinions of other members>Their job is to legally protect their client, if they are guilty the evidence should show that and they should be convicted regardless of anything the Defence Lawyer attempts. If it fails then that suggests either a flaw in the evidence or in the system in which case the accused should not be convicted. <modsnip>

 

[Izzylizzy]

Her Attornies almost certainly advised her against thaat action as futile, but her legal actions are ultimately her choice. I'd be astonished if they suggested it.

<modsnip - criticizing the opinions of other members> Their job is to legally protect their client, if they are guilty the evidence should show that and they should be convicted regardless of anything the Defence Lawyer attempts. If it fails then that suggests either a flaw in the evidence or in the system in which case the accused should not be convicted. <modsnip>

From the get-go KS's lawyer John Kaloidis blamed the victim for his emaciated physical condition, lack of education, lack of medical, dental and mental heath care and living conditions.
Then adding insult to injury he blamed the victim's deceased father and KS was just carrying out his parenting wishes.

We'll see just how "necessary and Important" his strategy of victim blaming is to the jury because it certainly was reprehensible to those concerned about the victim and his life having been under KS's care for decades.
imo

 

[sds71]

David Guarino, founder and president of Survivors Say, released the public statement on behalf of “S.”
The victim thanked those who have helped him to recover and are continuing to do so.
Read the full statement below:

“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.”

‘I am a survivor.’ Waterbury man held captive in home for 20 years releases first public statement

The Waterbury man, who is calling himself "S" to protect his identity, was discovered on Feb. 17, 2025.

connecticut.news12.com

 

[sassyblue]

I am crying. May God bless him and give him the amazing life he deserves from now forward.

 

[Nadal]

BBM:
From the get-go KS's lawyer John Kaloidis blamed the victim for his emaciated physical condition, lack of education, lack of medical, dental and mental heath care and living conditions.
Then adding insult to injury he blamed the victim's deceased father and KS was just carrying out his parenting wishes.

We'll see just how "necessary and Important" his strategy of victim blaming is to the jury because it certainly was reprehensible to those concerned about the victim and his life having been under KS's care for decades.
imo

Nothing has been determined legally, the lawyer is putting up a defence based on what their client told them. If it's nonsense then there should be proof to show that and there won't be any issue. I wasn't talking about this case specifically i was talking about the concept of legal defences and how people focus on isolated cases like this to attack the entire profession.

There's no "we'll see", legal defnce is necessary and important that's objective fact. Even in this case whatever you think of the legal defence if it's not properly administered it could result in serious reason for appeal or even a mistrial. <modsnip - personalizing>

 

[whitelilac]

I have nothing but admiration for S.
20 years of extreme abuse, both psychological and physical, would completely destroy any individual. The PTSD and trauma would be so overwhelming, I don't think it would be survivable.
But here he is, looking forward to reclaiming his life.
That statement above is extraordinary.
I believe he will do great things in the future.

 

[Izzylizzy]

Uploaded 5 hrs ago.

 

[keek]

Uploaded 5 hrs ago.

68 pounds and her lawyer defends her on that and blames S.

 

[AcerPacer]

68 pounds and her lawyer defends her on that and blames S.

Her lawyer had NOTHING to say about S beyond him being aged 12. He seemed to imply S could have broken through those locks on the outside of his door (and every door in the house!?) at any time so he wonders why he didn't?? He didn't though!? Did he try?
Defence are adamant S was never KS's responsibility as she was only step mother.. surely she AT LEAST had the responsibility of knowing and allowing this abuse to continue in that case? Much the same as Sara Sharif's uncle!?
There's SO much to come out about all this and I hope the State has tons of actual evidence to bombard KS and her pitiful D team! Justice for S!

OMO, JMO, MOO

 

[Gemmie]

Her lawyer had NOTHING to say about S beyond him being aged 12. He seemed to imply S could have broken through those locks on the outside of his door (and every door in the house!?) at any time so he wonders why he didn't?? He didn't though!? Did he try?

I could have sworn that I read that he broke out once, went down to the kitchen to get something to eat. Like chipped away at the door with something. When she found out she put plywood on the door to stop him from doing it again. But for the life of me... I can't find it and I spent a fair amount of time looking. Due to that that'll just have to be JMO! Does anyone else remember this, and/or have a link to that info?

I did find this looking for it:

Both sides of his door had been secured with plywood and a lock, the man would later say, to stop him from getting out.

How a man used printer paper and hand sanitizer to escape an alleged 20 years of captivity by his stepmother - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

 

[Jo in Calif]

I could have sworn that I read that he broke out once, went down to the kitchen to get something to eat. Like chipped away at the door with something. When she found out she put plywood on the door to stop him from doing it again. But for the life of me... I can't find it and I spent a fair amount of time looking. Due to that that'll just have to be JMO! Does anyone else remember this, and/or have a link to that info?

I did find this looking for it:

Both sides of his door had been secured with plywood and a lock, the man would later say, to stop him from getting out.

How a man used printer paper and hand sanitizer to escape an alleged 20 years of captivity by his stepmother - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

Page 11 warrant affidavit.

WARRANT AFFIDAVIT KIMBERLY SULLIVAN Redacted

www.documentcloud.org

 

[Gemmie]

Page 11 warrant affidavit.

WARRANT AFFIDAVIT KIMBERLY SULLIVAN Redacted

www.documentcloud.org

THANK YOU, @Jo in Calif!!! I KNEW I hadn't imagined that, I just couldn't find it.

He stated that around 2005, being home alone, he cut out a piece of wood paneling out of the door that he was locked behind. He stated that he was able to sneak out and make his way to the rest of the house where he found food and ate it. When Sullivan discovered he had made his way out of the room, she went up to him and slapped him in the face. From
that point on, not only was his door locked, but plywood was secured on both sides of the door so he could not get through the door again. This door was observed in the residence when the search warrants were ‘executed and there was, in fact, plywood on each side of the door.

WARRANT AFFIDAVIT KIMBERLY SULLIVAN Redacted

www.documentcloud.org

 

[katydid23]

I think it is mean and unfair for some in the public to question WHY he never escaped previously, etc. He was a young child when the abuse started. His mind and confidence was not going to be 'normal.' Most teens would be fighting hard to physically escape. But if they were imprisoned and starved, physically and emotionally since childhood, then it would be very hard for them to fight back.

I am so impressed by him and am so proud of his efforts and determination.

IMO, there is nothing this woman can say that can justify a 68 pound young man being locked in her upstairs closet. NOTHING.

ETA---And I feel the same way about the other family members who knew about him.

 

[PromotedPawn]

DBM

 

[Izzylizzy]

'Attorney: Kimberly Sullivan, accused of holding stepson captive in Waterbury home, wants phone back'​

Paywall. posted it because phone isn't mentioned in other link.

https://www.ctpost.com/waterbury/article/kimberly-sullivan-waterbury-captivity-pretrial-ct-20286450.php

'Waterbury woman suspected of holding stepson captive not at pre-trial hearing'​

"He also expects a protective order will be addressed at the next court date, which is scheduled for May 27".

https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/stepmother-in-alleged-waterbury-captivity-case-returns-to-court-for-pre-trial-hearing/