Overview

• Kimberly Sullivan, 56, plans to plead not guilty to charges of kidnapping, assault, and cruelty in connection to allegations she confined her stepson for over 20 years.
• The 32-year-old alleged victim, found emaciated at 70 pounds, claims he was confined to a locked room and given minimal food and water since age 11.
• The case came to light when the victim set fire to their Waterbury, Connecticut home in February 2025 in what he described as a desperate bid for freedom.
• The victim’s biological mother and half-sister have expressed their desire to reunite with him as he recovers at a medical facility from physical and emotional trauma.
• Advocacy groups and lawmakers are urging reforms to address oversight gaps in Connecticut’s homeschooling and child welfare systems following the case.