On February 17, 2025, a fire in Waterbury, Connecticut prompted a 911 call from Kimberly Sullivan, who reported flames in her home. Her stepson, aged 32, later revealed to authorities that he intentionally set the fire as a desperate attempt to escape alleged abuse and captivity by his stepmother for over two decades.
- Kimberly Sullivan reported a house fire.
- Stepson claims he started fire for freedom.
- Allegations of 20 years of captivity.
- Sullivan's attorney blames her late husband.
- Stepson's health deteriorated during captivity.
- Sullivan released on $300,000 bail.
The incident began when Sullivan contacted emergency services at approximately 8:42 p.m., expressing urgency about the fire in her stepson’s bedroom. First responders quickly extinguished the flames but found that her stepson required medical assistance due to smoke inhalation. During treatment, he disclosed that he had started the fire using hand sanitizer and paper while locked inside his room.
Authorities stated that the man alleged he had been held captive since age eleven in an eight-foot by nine-foot room. He reportedly ignited the fire as a means of seeking freedom from this confinement. According to police statements, he expressed his desire for liberation by saying simply, “I wanted my freedom.”
Sullivan’s attorney has suggested that her late husband was responsible for their son’s confinement and denied claims of abuse or neglect towards him. The attorney argued that Sullivan encouraged her stepson to care for himself and claimed he was not forcibly kept in his room. This case has raised significant concerns regarding domestic abuse and captivity.
The investigation continues as authorities gather more information regarding these serious allegations against Sullivan. She has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court again soon.
This situation highlights critical issues related to domestic violence and mental health support systems necessary for victims seeking help from abusive situations.
