The man who wishes to be referred to as “S” to preserve his identity, who was reportedly held in captivity in his Waterbury home in Connecticut, has finally spoken out to the public. His spokesperson, David Guarino of Survivors Say, released a statement on the man’s behalf. He alleged he was held hostage by his stepmother and father for over 20 years before being rescued by first responders on February 17, 2025.
When “S” was rescued, he was 5-foot-9, weighing 68 pounds as a 31-year-old man. Authorities were responding to an active fire at a residence in Waterbury. When they arrived, they found what they believed at the time to be a child curled up underneath a dining table. “S” told police he set the fire with the intention of gaining his freedom from captivity. He alleged that he had been held captive since he was 11 years old by his stepmother.
The Last Two Decades
According to the man’s statement to the police when he was rescued from the home in Waterbury, he was locked in a small room without heat or A/C every day, most of the day. He was let out for brief periods, but only to do household chores. He claimed to have always been hungry and received no medical or dental care.
In 2004, his father and stepmother unenrolled him from Waterbury’s public school system after they continued to report concerns for the man’s well-being. Law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families visited the home multiple times but never reported any issues. “S” claimed that he was threatened with no food if he told anyone what was going on, and to say everything was fine.
First Public Statement
In “S’s” first statement to the public of Waterbury, he stated, “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 32 when I purposely set the fire that helped set me free.” He continued, “I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told.”
According to his statement, he refers to himself as “S” because “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.”
He thanked first responders for rescuing him that day, giving him his freedom, and healthcare officials who helped him achieve better health. He also thanked the public for their overwhelming support and generosity. A GoFundMe was organized by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, which has raised over $300,000. The money raised is intended to cover his medical bills, counseling and therapy, daily living expenses, and legal fees he encounters while pursuing justice from his abuser.
The Stepmother of Waterbury
Kimberly Sullivan, the stepmother accused of abuse and keeping her stepson held hostage for over two decades in her Waterbury home, was arrested on March 12, 2025. She is facing multiple charges, including first-degree assault, second-degree kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and reckless endangerment. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges and was bailed out the day following her arrest.
In response to the charges, her attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, told New Haven ABC affiliate WTNH, “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.” According to her defense, the victim’s late father is responsible for his years of captivity. Sullivan is expected to appear back in court on April 22, 2025.
Final Words
“S” concluded his statement, reminding everyone, “Much has already been said that tells part of the story of the abuse I endured. Someday, perhaps my whole story will be told.” He continued, “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.”
