**In a disturbing case from Waterbury, Connecticut, a man bravely escapes captivity, revealing years of neglect and abuse at the hands of his stepmother, who now faces serious charges.**
**Step Son's Harrowing Escape from Two Decades of Captivity Unveiled in Connecticut**
**Step Son's Harrowing Escape from Two Decades of Captivity Unveiled in Connecticut**
**A shocking tale of abuse and survival emerges as a man makes a desperate bid for freedom after 20 years of confinement.**
A man in Connecticut has escaped from a nightmarish confinement spanning two decades, and the harrowing details are shocking authorities and the public alike. The now 32-year-old victim managed to escape his stepmother's clutches by deliberately igniting a fire in the tiny room where he was imprisoned. Rescued by local authorities from a distressing 72 sq-foot (6.7 sq meters) space, he was found weighing only 68 pounds (30 kilograms), severely malnourished and suffering from smoke inhalation.
The man candidly informed investigators that he resorted to the drastic measure of starting the fire after enduring years of severe abuse, neglect, and starvation. According to police in Waterbury, he endured prolonged mistreatment from his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, 56, who has since been charged with kidnapping and cruelty, charges she vehemently denies.
His ordeal was detailed during a court session, where prosecutors recounted that for years he was limited to receiving just a sandwich and two small bottles of water each day. Allowed outside only to perform chores under supervision, the man explained to police, “I wanted my freedom,” referencing his decision to set the fire, fully aware of the potential danger it posed.
Sullivan's attorney has disputed the claims, asserting that the accusations are baseless and stating that she provided food and shelter, contrary to the horrific description of the living conditions implied. As authorities investigated the case, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo described the situation as "both heartbreaking and unimaginable."
According to the victim's account, his captivity began at the age of 11 and continued until the fire led to his rescue at 32. Following the tragic death of his father, his condition reportedly deteriorated further, leading to a critically low body mass index (BMI) of 11, far below the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 as defined by the National Health Service. Moreover, the individual had not received any medical or dental care throughout his long ordeal, raising profound concerns about his health and wellbeing.
