On Tuesday, officials released photos of a Connecticut home where a woman allegedly held her stepson captive for 20 years.
According to CT Insider, the 32-year-old victim tried to escape by setting fire to a room on February 17, as revealed by photos from Waterbury police. The victim was allegedly confined by his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 57, in a small room measuring 9 by 8 feet with an angled ceiling.
The photos apparently show locks which became more sophisticated as the man grew stronger. Sullivan reportedly also fortified the doors with plywood.
Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, expressed concern about the release of sensitive evidence by the Waterbury Police Department during an ongoing investigation. Kaloidis stated that the move was ethically questionable and could sway public opinion against Ms. Sullivan. He emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring a fair trial, calling for an investigation into the unauthorized release of the photos and videos.
The victim, who was rescued from the fire, was reported to have deteriorating teeth and appeared unclean. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo disclosed that the man stood at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed only 68 pounds.
Two reports from 2005 indicated that police visited the home and determined the then-12-year-old victim appeared “healthy and happy.”
The man reportedly claimed he was only fed two sandwiches and two small water bottles a day. Officers reportedly found evidence showing how the man was expected to dispose of his waste, according to CT Insider.
“We believe that he may have walked through the fire to get out of the room that he was in. It’s amazing he’s alive,” Spagnolo said, according to WCBS.
Sullivan was charged with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, cruelty to a person, first-degree unlawful restraint and first-degree reckless endangerment. She pleaded guilty on Friday and is free on $300,000 bail.
[Feature Photo: Waterbury police]
