A Connecticut woman is facing criminal charges after she allegedly held her stepson captive for more than 20 years until he made a daring escape.
Kimberly Sullivan, 56, faces various charges including, second-degree kidnapping and intentional cruelty to a person, the ctpost reported.
According to police, events unfolded on February 17 when a fire was reported at 8:42 p.m. at a Waterbury residence. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Sullivan was able to get out of the house, but her 32-year-old stepson remained inside and firefighters needed to help him get out.
Once outside, while being treated for smoke inhalation, the stepson told first responders that he had intentionally set the fire, saying, "I wanted my freedom."
The man further explained that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was about 11 years old. Police investigated the claims and "determined that the victim had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect, and inhumane treatment," police stated.
Police said the man had been provided with only minimal amounts of food and water, which led to his extremely malnourished condition. An arrest warrant was issued for Sullivan on March 11.
"The facts of this case, quite frankly, the facts are something out of a horror movie. That's without exaggeration," Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Don Therkildsen told the ctpost.
