Escape from Long-Term Captivity in Connecticut

Mar 13, 2025

How a Man Used Printer Paper and Hand Sanitizer to Escape Alleged 20-Year Captivity

Key Details from the Case

  • Location: Waterbury, Connecticut
  • Victim: A 32-year-old man, identified as "Male Victim 1"
  • Alleged Captor: Stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan
  • Duration: Approximately 20 years

Method of Escape

  • The victim used:
    • Printer paper for kindling
    • Hand sanitizer as fuel
    • Found lighter from late father’s jacket
  • Purposefully set fire to escape captivity
  • Emergency personnel responded on February 17, 2025
  • Both the stepmother and stepson were found at the scene

Victim's Life in Captivity

  • Diet: Given only two sandwiches and a small amount of water daily
  • Living Conditions:
    • Locked in a room with plywood and a lock on the door
    • Locked in room 22-24 hours a day
    • Restriction became more severe after father’s death in January 2024
  • Education and Socialization:
    • Removed from school and isolated from external contacts
    • Self-educated with 3-4 books a year and a radio
    • Only social experience was Halloween until age 12

Legal and Familial Aspects

  • Charges Against Stepmother: Assault, kidnapping, and cruelty
  • Stepmother’s Defense: Claims all allegations are false and she provided food and shelter
  • Legal Status: Held on $300,000 bond, next court appearance on March 26

Community and Official Response

  • Police Chief's Comment: Worst treatment of humanity witnessed in 33 years
  • State Department of Children and Families: Expressed shock and described the victim’s strength and resilience
  • Waterbury Police and Mayor Support: Collection of clothes and books for the victim; commitment to aid his recovery

Current Status of the Victim

  • Physical State: Emaciated, dirty, weighing only 70 pounds at 5-foot-9
  • Recovery: Undergoing physical and mental healing

Important Quotes

  • Victim: “I have been kept a secret my entire life”
  • Police Chief: "It's really hard to talk about..."

Miscellaneous

  • Investigation Hurdles: Lack of prior substantiated reports from the Department of Children and Families due to expunged records after 5 years
  • Family Dynamics: Other family members feared backlash if they intervened

This case highlights severe allegations of domestic abuse and captivity, prompting community and legal actions to support the victim's recovery and pursue justice.