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Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Connecticut man who escaped house of horrors breaks silence after decades of stepmom's alleged abuse
The 32-year-old man who accused his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, of holding him captive for 20 years in their Waterbury, Connecticut, home, spoke for the first time since fleeing the home. The man, who wished to be identified only as "S," released a statement Tuesday through David Guarino of Survivors Say, who is representing him as a spokesman. "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," "S" said in the statement. "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." Connecticut House Of Horrors Stepmom Denies Child Abuse Accusations That Came As 'Extreme Shock': Attorney "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. Read On The Fox News App "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." Bodycam In Connecticut House Of Horrors Shows Suspect After Stepson's Fiery Escape "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." "A Child Called 'It'" Author Says Connecticut House Of Horrors Case Is Attempted Murder Guarino declined to comment further. "S" allegedly set fire to the home he shared with his stepmom on Feb. 27, telling first responders that he wanted his freedom. After an investigation, Sullivan was arrested on March 12 and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. According to an arrest warrant for Sullivan, "S" said he was held in a windowless 8-foot by 9-foot storage closet with no air conditioning or heat and without access to a bathroom for 20 years. He was allegedly kept inside the closet 22–24 hours per day. "S" told police he was allowed two sandwiches and two small water bottles each day, one of which he would use for bathing. He said he disposed of his waste using water bottles and newspaper. The man weighed less than 70 pounds when first responders found him after the fire. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, denied that Sullivan knew anything about the alleged abuse. "I can tell you that the allegations were that this individual claims to have been imprisoned in that home up until the day of the fire," Kaloidis said. "And my client adamantly denies that there was any imprisonment. As for the whole history, there's a lot that I anticipate will come out over the course of the trial, hopefully, because I think that's the appropriate place for the release of any additional information." Fox News Digital reached out to Sullivan's legal article source: Connecticut man who escaped house of horrors breaks silence after decades of stepmom's alleged abuse
Fox News
16-04-2025
- Fox News
Connecticut man who escaped house of horrors breaks silence after decades of stepmom's alleged abuse
The 32-year-old man who accused his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, of holding him captive for 20 years in their Waterbury, Connecticut, home, spoke for the first time since fleeing the home. The man, who wished to be identified only as "S," released a statement Tuesday through David Guarino of Survivors Say, who is representing him as a spokesman. "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," "S" said in the statement. "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." Guarino declined to comment further. "S" allegedly set fire to the home he shared with his stepmom on Feb. 27, telling first responders that he wanted his freedom. After an investigation, Sullivan was arrested on March 12 and charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment. According to an arrest warrant for Sullivan, "S" said he was held in a windowless 8-foot by 9-foot storage closet with no air conditioning or heat and without access to a bathroom for 20 years. He was allegedly kept inside the closet 22–24 hours per day. "S" told police he was allowed two sandwiches and two small water bottles each day, one of which he would use for bathing. He said he disposed of his waste using water bottles and newspaper. The man weighed less than 70 pounds when first responders found him after the fire. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, denied that Sullivan knew anything about the alleged abuse. "I can tell you that the allegations were that this individual claims to have been imprisoned in that home up until the day of the fire," Kaloidis said. "And my client adamantly denies that there was any imprisonment. As for the whole history, there's a lot that I anticipate will come out over the course of the trial, hopefully, because I think that's the appropriate place for the release of any additional information." Fox News Digital reached out to Sullivan's legal team.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man allegedly held captive by stepmother in Connecticut releases first public statement
The video above aired on March 31, when photos showing the conditions at the family's Waterbury home were released. WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — In his first public statement, the man allegedly held captive by his stepmother in his Connecticut home for more than 20 years says he's growing stronger as he begins the process of reclaiming his life. His full statement, released Tuesday by his representation, David Guarino of Survivors Say, can be read below: 'Please call me 'S.' This is not the name given to me by my parents when I was born. I amchoosing a new name for myself, and I will use that name as I reclaim control over my life andmy future. My name is my choice, and it is the first of many choices I will make for myself nowthat I am free. I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse. I was held prisoner inmy home from the time I was taken out of the fourth grade at age 11 until two months ago atage 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 howmy story is told. I am much better and stronger than I was the day the first responders carried me out of myhome. I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then. To all the health careprofessionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you. In addition to all of your care, Iappreciated 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 whois working to hold those responsible for my abuse accountable. Thank you to everyone at SafeHaven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help coversome of the overwhelming expenses I will face in the weeks, months and years to come.' The alleged victim's stepmother Kimberly Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including assault and kidnapping. Sullivan was released from police custody after posting bond in March. She's currently outfitted with a GPS tracking monitor/bracelet. Photos show living conditions of Connecticut man allegedly held captive by stepmom for over 20 years According to authorities, S was starved, abused, and locked in a small room for most of his life. In February, he set his room on fire to escape over 20 years of alleged captivity. When he was examined, according to court documents, the 5'9″ man weighed under 70 pounds, and he was malnourished and emaciated. Waterbury police chief discusses case of captive stepson Earlier this month, an update by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury on its GoFundMe page for S stated that he is medically stable and ready to begin the next phase of his rehabilitation. 'The survivor will soon be transitioning to a rehabilitation facility for intense physical therapy,' according to the post. 'We are hoping that Medicaid will step in soon to cover the stay or at least a portion of it. Due to the years of malnourishment, his legs need extra help, and he now has leg braces and has been receiving PT.' Nexstar's WTNH has reached out to Sullivan's attorney for comment on the victim's statement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Connecticut man allegedly held captive for over 20 years releases 1st public statement
The man who was allegedly held in captivity in his Connecticut home for more than 20 years said he is "much better and stronger" than the day first responders carried him out of the residence in February. The "severely emaciated" 5-foot-9 man weighed just 68 pounds when he was found in the home in Waterbury on Feb. 17 by authorities who had responded to a report of an active fire at the residence, according to officials. The man told first responders he intentionally set the fire in his room and alleged that his stepmother had held him captive since he was 11, officials said. MORE: Connecticut man held captive by stepmom for 20 years weighed only 68 pounds: Police "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," he said in his first public statement on the matter. "I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told." The statement was released on Tuesday through his volunteer spokesperson, David Guarino of the organization Survivors Say. The now-32-year-old man, whose name has not been released, referred to himself as "S" in the statement, saying, "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." "S" thanked first responders and law enforcement as well as the health care professionals "who have helped and nurtured me." "In addition to all of your care, I appreciated the chance to have my first ever birthday party to celebrate turning 32," he said. He also thanked the public for their prayers and donations to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which has raised nearly $270,000. The funds will be used to pay for medical and dental care, counseling and therapy for physical and emotional recovery, housing and daily living expenses and support for legal fees, the nonprofit said. MORE: Crowdfunding campaign raises over $100,000 for Connecticut man held captive in home for 20 years "Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told," "S" said. "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." His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment, assault and kidnapping. She has pleaded not guilty. Sullivan's lawyer defended his client and said it was the victim's late father who was responsible. "He was not locked in the room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food. She provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations," her lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, told New Haven ABC affiliate WTNH following her arrest. ABC News' Nadine El-Bawab contributed to this report. Connecticut man allegedly held captive for over 20 years releases 1st public statement originally appeared on
CBS News
15-04-2025
- CBS News
Connecticut man who says he was held captive for 20 years chooses new name in first statement
The Waterbury, Connecticut, man who said his stepmother held him captive for two decades has released his first statement. The man identifies himself in the statement as "S" in order to protect his identity. 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. The statement comes on the heels of police releasing dozens of photos showing the interior of the home . The disturbing photos show the home where the 32-year-old man said he was held captive. The images also capture damage from the fire he said he set in order to get free. The photos show the filthy stairway leading up to the second floor, where S says he we has held locked in a small room since the age of 11. Kimberly Sullivan, 57, has pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping and felony assault . She was released pending trial but is required to wear electronic monitoring . "I know everyone wants to crucify her. Everyone's already convicted her, but that's not how this works," her attorney Ioannis Kaloidis said at the time. She's due back in court next week.
