Latest news with #SafeHavenWaterbury
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.
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.
Boston Globe
15-04-2025
- Boston Globe
Conn. man, 32, allegedly held captive in own home for 20 years speaks out; wants to ‘reclaim my life'
Authorities haven't publicly identified the man, but 'I am a survivor of more than 20 years of captivity and domestic abuse,' said S, adding that he's 'speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.' Advertisement The man said he's now much stronger and healthier than when first responders came to his aid on the night of the fire, which he set on Feb. 17. After the blaze, he was 'described as being near starvation,' court records show, and at 5 feet 9 inches tall, he weighed just 68 pounds. 'I am beyond grateful for the care I have received since then,' he said Tuesday. 'To all the health care professionals who have helped and nurtured me, thank you.' Advertisement He said he also appreciated the chance to enjoy his 'first ever birthday party' when he recently turned 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,' said S. '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.' In addition, the man thanked his attorney and conservator for their assistance in helping him navigate the legal process. 'Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured,' said S. '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.' He also offered thanks for 'your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover.' Waterbury police had arrested Sullivan on March 12 on charges of of assault, kidnapping, restraint, cruelty, and reckless endangerment, officials have said. A police affidavit filed in court said that when her stepson was in elementary school, he was so hungry that he stole food from other children and sometimes ate out of the garbage. Advertisement School officials contacted the state's child welfare agency, which twice visited the fourth-grader's home. 'When they were there, he was told by Sullivan to tell them that everything was fine,' police said. 'After the second DCF visit, he was pulled from school by Sullivan.' He told police after the fire that he'd endured 'a life of captivity, abuse, and starvation,' records show. The severity and duration of the alleged abuse, and how it remained hidden, has stunned the region, and court records provided After he was rescued from the fire, an officer described him as 'emaciated' and 'very dirty, and his teeth all [appeared] to be rotten,' police said. The man said he intentionally set the fire using a lighter, hand sanitizer, and paper because 'he wanted his freedom,' authorities said. 'He stated that he had been locked in that house his entire life,' the affidavit said, adding that he 'has been held captive' in the home since he was 11. He said Sullivan 'keeps him locked' inside his bedroom, police said. Sullivan, however, told investigators her stepson 'has a lot of problems' but hasn't been diagnosed with any health issues since his 'father was against using doctors,' police said. She said she took her stepson 'a few times' to see a psychiatrist because he 'mentioned hurting himself in the past,' police said. Sullivan also told police his bedroom door isn't locked and that 'he has free rein of the house,' police said. However, police observed a 'slide lock' on the outside of the man's bedroom doorframe that could be used to lock the door from outside, the affidavit said. Advertisement The man gave two additional interviews to investigators on Feb. 21 and March 6, records show. He told police that starting when he was around 3, he developed a habit of sneaking out of his room at night to get food and drinks. Once food wrappers were discovered in his room he began to be locked there, at first only during the evening hours, he told authorities. 'He recalled drinking water from the toilet at the time due to the fact that he was only getting about two cups of water per day,' police said. The man also told police he 'always' had a lock outside his door, first a chain lock, then a padlock, and then a slide bolt lock. His room was 'a back storage space' measuring eight feet by nine feet. During the 'brutally consistent' period of captivity, the man indicated that he normally woke up between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., getting let out for 'a limited time' around 8 a.m. to 'complete several chores' before he was locked back in his room in the late morning, police said. He typically fell asleep around 7:30 p.m. but 'did not sleep well,' and he was sometimes briefly permitted to leave his room in the early evening, he told police. Things were slightly better when he was alone with his father in the home, the man said. His father let him out for longer periods on the weekends when his mother and sisters were out, allowing him to watch television with him or work in the yard, the man told investigators. The last time he left his family property was when he was 14 or 15 and went with his father to dispose of yard waste, police said. Advertisement His father's death resulted in 'his captivity and restraint' worsening, according to the affidavit. The document didn't indicate when his father died and provided no information about his mother. 'The only time he would ever be out of the house once his father died was to let the family dog out in the back of the property,' police said. He told investigators he received 'up to two sandwiches' per day and limited water, and that the food allocations were 'less and less over time,' police said. Asked if he was frequently hungry, he replied, 'All day, every day, my entire life,' police said. He said he never spoke to anyone about his ordeal due to the 'constant threat of longer lockdowns and further diminishment of food,' and described 'a life of being mentally conditioned by Sullivan,' police said. 'He stated that the threat was that he would 'not see the light of day' if he told anyone,' and that he also once discovered a gun in the home while cleaning, police said. He said Sullivan would tell him that 'under pain of death no one was to see me,' police said. Material from prior Globe stories was used in this report. Travis Andersen can be reached at
