Waterbury: A 32-year-old Waterbury, Connecticut man was rescued after allegedly being locked in a room for 20 years by his stepmother.
Escape Attempt
The victim set fire to his locked room to alert authorities.
Police found him severely malnourished and in poor health.
He told officers he had been confined since age 11.
Kimberly Sullivan, 57, was arrested as the primary suspect.
She faces multiple charges, including assault and kidnapping.
Horrific Conditions
Prosecutors revealed the victim lived in an 8×9-foot room.
He was only let out for short periods to do chores.
His daily diet included two sandwiches and limited water.
Some water was reserved for bathing, prosecutors stated.
Severe neglect led to extreme weight loss and poor health.
Medical Neglect
The victim received no medical or dental care.
His teeth reportedly snapped due to prolonged malnutrition.
He weighed only 68 pounds at 5ft 9 when rescued.
With no bathroom access, he used a makeshift disposal system.
Authorities described his treatment as “inhumane.”
Legal Proceedings
Sullivan’s attorney denied the accusations against her.
She was arraigned and held on a $300,000 bond.
Authorities labeled the case one of extreme abuse.
Prosecutors described the victim’s suffering as unimaginable.
The Waterbury Police Chief praised investigators’ dedication.
Community Support
A fundraiser was launched to help the victim recover.
The Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury set up a GoFundMe.
It raised over $93,000 toward a $100,000 goal.
The biological mother called for a harsh sentence.
She demanded Sullivan spend life in solitary confinement.
