Connecticut Man Escapes 20-Year Captivity by Stepmother, Sets Fire to Gain Freedom

Authorities allege the 32-year-old endured decades of abuse and neglect before his daring escape from a locked room in Waterbury, Connecticut.

The victim, who weighed only 70 pounds at the time of rescue, had been locked in a small room with no bathroom access and limited food for 20 years, according to police.
He set fire to the house on February 17 using hand sanitizer, paper, and a lighter, in a desperate attempt to escape his stepmother's control.
The victim was removed from school in fourth grade, and an investigation revealed prolonged abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment, with one prosecutor comparing his ordeal to a concentration camp survivor's experience.
Kimberly Sullivan, the 56-year-old stepmother, faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and cruelty, but denies the allegations, claiming her late husband dictated the victim's upbringing.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $53,000 to support the victim's recovery, including therapy, housing, and legal expenses, as he begins to rebuild his life.