Newly released police photos and body camera footage have unveiled the shocking conditions inside a Connecticut home where a man claims he was held captive by his stepmother for two decades.
The disturbing images provide a glimpse into what authorities are calling one of the most harrowing cases of prolonged abuse in recent memory.
Kimberly Sullivan, the man’s 55-year-old stepmother, is currently facing charges of kidnapping and felony assault. She has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $300,000 bond.
The images and footage, obtained from the Waterbury Police Department, document the dire conditions inside the residence, which the 32-year-old victim claims he was unable to leave except to perform household chores.
A Desperate Escape Leads to Fire
On February 17, 2024, the man set fire to the home using printer paper and hand sanitizer in a desperate attempt to escape. Emergency responders arrived after Sullivan frantically called 911, reporting that her stepson was still inside and injured.
“He’s kind of passed out. He’s out of it,” Sullivan told the dispatcher.
When first responders entered the home, they discovered the severely malnourished 5-foot-9-inch man weighing only 68 pounds. He was responsive and later detailed years of mistreatment.
Body camera footage captured the chaotic scene, with Sullivan standing outside the house in pajama pants, clutching a small dog while speaking to officers.
She claimed that her stepson’s room was never locked, but the victim provided a starkly different account once he was placed in an ambulance.
Chilling Evidence Inside the Home
Police records reveal that the victim was confined to an 8-by-9-foot storage space, secured with plywood and a lock. Over 100 police photographs show:
- Charred door frames and locks where the man says he was imprisoned.
- Mold-infested walls and broken floorboards.
- Cluttered and dilapidated rooms, including one with pink walls and leopard-print furniture.
- Exposed beams and boarded-up windows, indicating years of neglect.
“These images bring to life a truly horrifying story of captivity,” said Waterbury Police Chief Fred Spagnolo.
Defense Pushes Back
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, has criticized the release of the photos, calling their timing “suspect.”
“It was shocking, to say the least,” Kaloidis said during a press conference. “The only thing we could think of is that it’s clearly being done to sway public opinion.”
He further argued:
“These photos don’t prove anything. Where are the handcuffs? Where are the chains? Where are the signs of restraint?”
Decades of Missed Warnings
The victim’s case has raised serious concerns about past failures in child welfare oversight. Former Barnard Elementary School Principal Tom Pannone told NBC Connecticut that his team made at least 20 reports to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding the victim’s well-being during his childhood.
Initially, DCF stated it had no records of the family due to a policy that expunges files five years after an investigation is completed, provided no further reports arise. However, following recent developments, the agency has since recovered archived records and is reviewing them for possible reforms.
The victim told police he met with DCF officials twice in fourth grade but was coached by his stepmother to say that everything was fine. Authorities conducting welfare checks at the time found no signs of abuse.
The Path to Recovery
After his father’s death in 2024, the victim says his captivity became even more severe. He devised his escape plan after discovering a lighter in one of his late father’s jackets.
“There’s a lot of physical therapy that he’ll have to go through,” Spagnolo said. “There’s a lot of healing that he’ll have to go through mentally.”
In an effort to support his recovery, Waterbury detectives pooled resources to buy the victim clothes, books, and other essential items. Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski has also pledged to provide assistance, stating:
“We’re committed to supporting him in every way possible as he begins to heal from this unimaginable trauma.”
Legal Proceedings Continue
As the case progresses, questions linger about systemic failures that allowed the abuse to persist for so long. Sullivan is due back in court later this month, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence.
The case has also renewed discussions about the effectiveness of child welfare policies, with experts calling for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar tragedies.
