Mum made chilling remark after stepson she ‘held captive’ for 20 years in ‘house of horror’ finally escaped
A woman is accused of keeping her stepson locked up for more than 20 years in a house that neighbors say looked completely normal from the outside.
The man, now 32, finally escaped by starting a small fire in the home last month in Waterbury, Connecticut. When firefighters arrived, they found him weak and badly malnourished. He told them he had set the fire to break free, saying, “I wanted my freedom.”
Police later confirmed his horrifying story—he had been trapped inside since he was just 11 years old, suffering years of abuse, starvation, and neglect. He was so thin and frail that officers said it was one of the worst cases they had ever seen.
Investigators said he was locked in his room almost all day, every day, with barely any food or water. His only connection to the outside world was a radio outside his door, which helped him keep track of time. He even taught himself using the few books he was given over the years.
After his escape, his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, assault, and cruelty. Her lawyers say she was shocked by the accusations and denies any wrongdoing.
Neighbors were stunned—they had no idea anything was wrong. One recalled seeing the boy years ago when he waved from a window. Another said Sullivan seemed calm after the fire, telling him, “I just want to get out of here.”
Police said the locks on his room got stronger as he grew older, making it harder for him to escape. The police chief called it the worst case of inhuman treatment he’d seen in his 33-year career.
The man is now safe and getting medical care, while his stepmother faces serious charges. The whole community is left wondering how such a nightmare could happen right under their noses.
