Warning: This article discusses domestic violence, which may be distressing to some readers.
A man, allegedly kept captive by his stepmother from the age of 11 to 31, has decided to speak out to ensure his story is told from his perspective.
Earlier this year in February, the man was found severely undernourished following a fire he started at the residence of his stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, in Waterbury, Connecticut.
Since he was removed from school in the fourth grade, the man had been rarely seen. It is believed that he started the fire in an attempt to escape captivity, as Sullivan is accused of holding him prisoner for two decades.
According to reports, the man stated that he was confined to a small box room in Sullivan’s home, limited to two sandwiches and two glasses of water daily, and only allowed out for chores.
The man, who wishes to temporarily be called ‘S,’ has issued a public statement for the first time since his rescue.
Through a statement obtained by News 8, S expressed: “Please call me ‘S.’ 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.”
S claims he was held captive from being withdrawn from fourth grade at age 11 “until two months ago at the age of 31” when he “purposely set the fire that helped set [him] free.”
“I am speaking out today to begin the process of reclaiming my life and to have my say in how my story is told,” he continued.
S reported feeling “much better and stronger” since the day he was rescued and expressed immense gratitude for the care he’s received, thanking the healthcare providers who have supported and nurtured him.
He also recently celebrated his first birthday party, having just turned 32.
Sullivan faces charges of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, cruelty to a person, first-degree unlawful restraint, and first-degree reckless endangerment.
An arrest warrant disclosed a slide bolt lock on the room’s door from the outside, although Sullivan’s lawyer, Ioannis Kaloidis, disputed these claims, asserting that she is “not the villain she is being made out to be.” Sullivan pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 28.
Kaloidis stated: “He was not locked in a room. She did not restrain him in any way. She provided food, she provided shelter. She is blown away by these allegations.”
UNILAD has previously reached out to Kaloidis for a comment.
In his statement, S also expressed gratitude to “the first responders, the law enforcement investigators and everyone who is working to hold those responsible for [his] abuse accountable,” as well as “everyone at Safe Haven Waterbury and everyone who has given to the GoFundMe page that will help cover some of the overwhelming expenses [he] will face in the weeks, months and years to come.”
He concluded: “This isn’t just a story. It’s my life. Thank you all for your thoughts and messages, your support and your continued prayers as I recover.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please remember you are not alone. The national domestic violence helpline provides confidential support 24 hours a day at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). A list of local resources can be found here.