Connecticut fire investigation leads to discovery of man allegedly held captive for decades

Hartford Courant on Mar 12, 2025

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HARTFORD, Conn. — An investigation into a house fire in Waterbury has led to the arrest of a woman accused of holding her stepson captive for decades.

The Waterbury Police Department along with personnel from the Waterbury Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence on Blake Street on Feb. 17 around 8:42 p.m., according to Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department.

Two occupants were inside the home as the Waterbury Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire, Bessette said.

One of the occupants was identified as 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, the owner of the property. The second occupant was a 32-year-old man who was later determined to be Sullivan’s stepson, according to Bessette.

Bessette said Sullivan was able to evacuate safely as the man remained inside, Bessette said. The main was rescued from the home by Waterbury Fire Department personnel who placed him in the care of emergency medical services. According to Bessette, the man had suffered smoke inhalation and exposure to the fire.

“While receiving medical care, the male victim disclosed to first responders that he had intentionally set the fire in his upstairs room, stating, ‘I wanted my freedom,'” Bessette said. “He further alleged that he had been held captive by Sullivan since he was approximately 11 years old.”

The Waterbury Police Department Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office, launched an extensive investigation into the allegations, according to Bessette.

Detectives alleged that the man had been held in captivity for over 20 years, enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect and inhumane treatment, Bessette said. “He was found in a severely emaciated condition and had not received medical or dental care during this time.”

Investigators also alleged that he had been provided with only minimal amounts of food and water, which led to his condition, according to Bessette.

As a result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Sullivan on Tuesday, Bessette said.

Sullivan was located on Wednesday and taken into police custody where she was charged with first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons and first-degree reckless endangerment.

Sullivan was held on a $300,000 bond and arraigned in court on Wednesday before she was placed in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Corrections, according to Bessette.

“The suffering this victim endured for over 20 years is both heartbreaking and unimaginable,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said in a statement on Wednesday. “This case required relentless investigative effort, and I commend the dedication of our officers and the Waterbury State’s Attorney’s Office. Their unwavering commitment ensured that justice is served, and the perpetrator is held fully accountable for these horrific crimes.”

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